Any time New York travelers are on the road, they are at risk of being involved in an accident. While most people hope that their focused driving will allow them to reach their destinations safely, that is not always possible. In fact, even the safest drivers are at risk of being hit by a negligent or reckless driver. As a result, knowing how to protect oneself in the event of a car crash is vital information.
Understandably, many people act on instinct when they find themselves in a dangerous situation, which is why it is important to plan ahead when it comes to facing hazards on the roadways. In fact, safety planning can start from the moment a person chooses a vehicle to purchase. Reviewing safety ratings and options for a vehicle before buying could better ensure that a driver and passengers are traveling in a safe vehicle.
Some other ways that a person could limit the severity of injuries in an accident include the following:
- Secure any loose items inside the vehicle as they could turn into dangerous projectiles in the event of a crash.
- If a crash is unavoidable, try to hit the least dangerous objects possible. For example, crashing into a ditch may be safer than colliding head-on with a wrong-way driver.
- Try to stay in an upright and typical sitting position, even during the crash. Airbags, seat belts and other safety measures are created with an upright posture in mind, which means they may be less effective if a driver ducks down or if a passenger is leaned back in the seat.
It is important to understand that no one can predict when a car crash will happen or what the outcomes will be. All drivers and passengers can do is prepare for the possibility and hope for the best. Even if drivers take defensive measures when they see a danger, it is still possible for serious injuries to result. If New York travelers do suffer injuries in an accident caused by another driver, seeking compensation through the civil justice system may be warranted.