We all hate the thought of being involved in a car accident. Not only can car accidents be scary and stressful, but they can be life threatening, too. It’s important that we all drive as safely as possible, no matter how experienced we are.
While the thought of a car accident isn’t a pleasant one, it’s important to be prepared (yes, you can be still be prepared if the car accident wasn’t your fault). So, are you prepared for a car accident?
You know the next steps
There are a number of steps to take immediately after a car accident. Firstly, you must stop your vehicle. Leaving the scene (also known as a hit and run) is against the law and you could face serious consequences. Next, you should put on your hazard lights, especially if your car is blocking the road. This makes the road safer for passing drivers. Afterwards, if you’re able to leave the vehicle, do so safely and collect the names and numbers of any witnesses. You should also take photos of the scene.
Your car is equipped
Being prepared for a car accident means having the tools that you might need, just in case. But what do you need when preparing for an accident? Most importantly, your car should always be equipped with a first aid kit. This will help if you or a passenger gets any cuts or bruises during the incident. It’s also useful to keep a torch in the boot, in case it’s dark out. A blanket or some sugary snacks could also help you or fellow passengers to cope with the shock after the accident. Don’t forget your phone to call for help, too.
You know your insurance details
All drivers must have car insurance. It’s a legal obligation in every state in the US. Car insurance provides liability protection in case you injure someone or cause damage to their vehicle during an accident. While you hope that a car accident will never be your fault, it’s useful to have just in case anything goes wrong. So, a driver who is prepared knows their insurance details and will be able to quickly call their insurance provider. Keep the details on your phone or in a booklet in your glove compartment.
You have your health information on hand
If your accident is more serious, there’s a chance that you won’t be able to tell others about your health records. Perhaps you have a health condition that a doctor should know about or you’re on a particular medication. Being prepared for an accident means having this information readily available for someone else to find. Keeping it written down in the glove compartment or in your wallet ensures that the information will be conveyed to whoever needs it.
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