Understanding Car Accident Statistics: After years of driving, it is only natural to become somewhat desensitised to some of the most prevalent road hazards. To be true, few drivers are likely to be involved in a car accident during their careers. However, just because a car accident does not happen to the preponderance of people does not mean that they never occur.
In fact, automotive accidents are quite common on accidents on a global scale. Not knowing how to respond in the event of an accident can lead to significant consequences and even secondary collisions. Learn everything there is to know about automobile accidents so that you can respond appropriately if you are involved in one.
How frequent are auto accidents?
Contrary to popular belief, automobile collisions are extremely common on the roads of the globe, as previously stated. Recent research indicates that there were over five million accidents reported in the United States alone. Keep in mind that in some states, it is not required to report accidents to the police, so the actual number of accidents is likely to be much higher.
Are Car Accidents Dangerous?
In the United States, automobile collisions are not only ubiquitous but also extremely dangerous. It is true that only a small percentage of car accidents result in fatalities, but nearly half of all car accidents cause injuries. Depending on the nature of the auto accident, the severity of each of these injuries can range from virtually harmless to extremely severe.
Five Steps to Take Following a Crash
Given the frequency of automobile accidents, all motorists should be familiar with the measures to take in the event of a collision. Specifically, the following five guidelines can assist any driver in responding appropriately to an accident:
Examine your own and others’ bodies for injuries.
Assuming you are not involved in a hit-and-run accident in which the other driver flees, the first action you should take is to check yourself and others for injuries. Keep in mind that when trauma sets in immediately after an accident, you may not notice any injuries that are not immediately apparent. Check under your clothing to ensure there are no significant injuries, and then examine the other individuals involved.
Transport operational vehicles to the roadside
Assuming your vehicle is operational, move it to the side of the road as soon as possible following a collision in which you are certain no one was injured. This will help prevent other drivers from colliding with your immobilised vehicle and causing a secondary collision.
Share pertinent information with other drivers.
After all vehicles involved in the collision have been removed from the roadway, the next step is to exchange pertinent information with the other driver(s) involved. This information should include your driver’s licence and insurance information so that the other driver(s) can contact you if necessary.
Take photographs of any damages for the insurance company.
It is essential to document any damage to the involved vehicle(s), regardless of its apparent severity. While it would be nice to believe that everyone in life is entirely honest, some people may damage their vehicle after an accident and then claim that the accident caused the damage. Without photographic evidence, this may cost you money.
Whenever necessary, authorities should be contacted.
Depending on the state in which you reside, it may be necessary to notify the authorities following the accident. In general, if the accident resulted in injuries, you will be required to file a report, but there are exceptions in which involving the police may be necessary.
Tips for Preventing Accidents in the First Place
Knowing what to do in the event of a mishap is essential, but knowing how to avoid accidents altogether is preferable. The following are some effective road safety tips to bear in mind.
Leave Sufficient Following Distance Between Automobiles
Following another driver too closely on the road can rapidly result in a collision that causes numerous injuries. To maximise reaction time, it is always recommended to leave at least three to four seconds of space between vehicles on the road. This means you will have sufficient time to take evasive action or decelerate abruptly if necessary.
Do not drive in inclement weather
Poor weather conditions are a leading cause of incidents on U.S. and international roadways. Due to a dearth of practise, drivers are unprepared for the conditions, and consequently, they make poor decisions that result in accidents. Therefore, all drivers should either practise driving in a variety of weather conditions in a safe environment or avoid driving in poor conditions entirely.
Never Mix Alcohol and Driving
In addition to the fact that it is illegal, drinking and driving is a terrible notion that can result in a number of terrible accidents. Additionally, do not consume narcotics and then operate a motor vehicle. Substances impair a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle by impairing their reaction time, decision-making skills, and motor control.
Eliminating Distractions in Your Vehicle
Remove all potential distractions from your vehicle that could divert your attention from the road ahead. Take the time to eliminate any distractions, such as a phone, food, or even a passenger, so that you can devote your full attention to driving.
Maintain road safety while behind the vehicle.
Being secure behind the wheel of a vehicle requires more than simply observing the road ahead. It necessitates being a defensive driver as opposed to an offensive driver and being prepared to take evasive action at any time. However, some accidents are unavoidable; therefore, all drivers should strive to know how to respond in the event of an accident or, better yet, to avoid accidents altogether.
