There is only so much a driver can do to avoid getting into a car accident. Being defensive, attentive and following the rules of the road will certainly reduce one’s chances of being in a collision, but with so many irresponsible drivers on the road, there’s always a chance of getting into a crash. Therefore, in addition to driving safely, Benton-area motorists may also want to do the following to lessen the severity of their injuries in the event of an unavoidable accident:
Adjust your headrestYour headrest is one of the best pieces of equipment to prevent a serious neck injury. Adjust the headrest so that the top of it is level with the tip of your head. Having a headrest that’s adjusted too low can be particularly dangerous.
Keep your head pressed against the headrestIf you see an accident is about to happen, put your head back against your headrest. This will ensure that your head and neck do not jerk around too much in the collision and it will lessen the threat and severity of neck and head injuries. In fact, it’s a good habit to always gently rest your head against the headrest while driving.
Don’t get too cozy with the steering wheel
Your steering wheel will deploy an airbag with tremendous velocity in the event of a collision. Although that airbag could save your life, it could also hurt you. Put at least 10 inches of space between you and the airbag.
Always, always buckle up
It should go without saying, but your seat belt is the single most important piece of safety equipment if you hope to survive a collision, no matter if you’re in the front or the back. Your safety belt can turn a deadly crash into one from which you walk away without a scratch.
If you suffered serious injuries in a Washington auto collision, you might want to learn more about your legal rights and options regarding a potential personal injury suit. Our law office is available to assist you in this regard.
