Accidents are, in most cases, not anticipated as they can happen at any time. The saddest thing about it is that most road accidents can be prevented. You only need to be careful and ensure that you follow all road safety measures to keep you and other road uses safe.
When you are learning how to drive, or before you get your driver’s permit, you are taught how to use the road. These are lessons that you need to keep for the rest of your life. Here are other tips that you can use to stay safe on the road and what to do when an accident happens.
Get Enough Practice
As a new driver, the first thing you need to do is get enough practice on the roads before venturing out. You may need to have someone with more experience around you to be with you for the first few drives.
It would help if you build up your confidence before you can get on the road. Practices will ensure that you can cut off some of the common mistakes. You owe it to the passengers, other road users, and crucially, you owe it to yourself to be at top condition when you drive.
Wear A Seatbelt
Always wear a seat belt while you are driving. This won’t prevent accidents from happening but will undoubtedly prevent injuries from being severe. There’s no exception when it comes to wearing a belt – whether you are the driver or passenger.
Don’t Drink and Drive
It has been something that has been going on for far too long that you’d dismiss it. But most accidents can be prevented if people don’t drink and drive. If you must have a drink, you need to get a cab or a designated driver, no matter the quantity.
You need to include substance abuse too here. If you are high, don’t get behind the wheel of your car. Alcohol and other substances can impair your judgment, and you won’t have the necessary reaction time to be safe on the road.
When you are under medication, you also need to avoid driving. Some medications explicitly warn you against operating heavy machinery – cars are part of the heavy machinery. Know the effects of any drug you are taking before you get into your car.
Limit Night Driving
Most accidents happen at night because night light isn’t as reliable as daylight. No matter how well-lit the streets are, you need to limit driving at night. When you have a set time to go to bed, you need to avoid driving during those hours.
You can only drive at night when you must; otherwise, don’t risk it.
Don’t use Cell Phones
While you are on the road, cell phones should only be for emergencies alone. Other than that, you need to limit your use of the cell phone while driving. It would help if you had all your concentration on the road and not on the things going on, on your cell phone.
What to do if an Accident Happens
When an accident happens, you need to take a couple of steps to ensure your safety and that you are legally protected.
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Assess for Injuries and Seek Help
After an accident, you need to assess injuries from those around you and yourself. It would help if you then visited the hospital for further checkups.
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Call 911
The next thing is to call 911 and ensure the police come and take statements. If the police cannot come, you need to go to the nearest station and file a report. The police report will come in handy when you want to claim with your insurer.
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Document the Scene
You then need to take pictures of the accident scene if you are able. This may help you when filing your insurance claim. Have as much documented evidence as you possibly can.
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Get in Touch with A Lawyer
You need to then get in touch with a lawyer after the accident. Many legal terms will be flying around from your insurer, and you need someone who understands them. The 702 Firm is one of those law firms with experience in the field and will help you out.
It would help you stay safe any time you hit the road and are behind the wheel. It would help if you employed some protective measures, and above are some that you can take. When you’re involved in an accident, you need to know what to do to be safe and get your claim with your insurance company.
