Even though nobody expects a car accident when they head out, it is always a possibility. The road is not always a safe place to be on as various drivers are irresponsible and negligent. Therefore, you cannot eliminate the possibility of a car accident, but you can certainly take some steps to prevent severe injuries.
Not many people realize this but taking safety measures while traveling in a car significantly reduces their chances of getting injured. However, on the other hand, not all accidents are preventable even if you take all the right measures. A Salem Oregon personal injury lawyer can investigate your case and obtain your compensation if you have acquired injuries.
Things to do to prevent a car accident injury:
- Wear your seatbelt.
Wearing a seatbelt and wearing it correctly can prevent many car accident injuries. If you take your accident case to trial, your car accident attorney may even ask you whether you were wearing a seatbelt as it becomes a negligence factor. Your lap belt should be across your lap, not your abdomen, and your shoulder belt should lie across your upper torso and shoulder, not your neck. Incorrectly wearing a seatbelt can also pose great harm to your neck and abdomen.
- Keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance.
If your car parts are in poor condition, they can cause and worsen a car accident. If you use your vehicle regularly, you must keep a check on its parts. Some important elements of vehicle maintenance are as follows.
- Regular oil changes
- Checking the tires
- Checking if the braking system is working properly
- Replacing the air filter
- Replacing the wiper blades
- Regulating tire pressure
- Sit far from the airbag.
Although airbags are there to protect you from injuries during a collision, they can exert significant force on your body and cause damage. Try to sit as far from the airbags as possible but make sure you reach the gas and brake pedals properly.
- Adjust your headrest.
The top of the headrest should always level with the top of your head. You can reduce the risk of neck injuries, such as whiplash, by adjusting your headrest. When it is poorly adjusted, the tissues in your neck can get hyperextended with force in the case of a violent crash and cause injuries.
- Sit upright.
Sitting upright and having a good posture are important when you are in a car. If your feet are on the floor, your vehicle’s safety features can serve you better. Airbags and seatbelts are designed for when people are sitting upright. Therefore, people who do not sit properly sustain more injuries.