A car accident can alter your life in a number of ways. Depending on the circumstances, these changes could have lifelong consequences.
A traumatic brain injury, for example, can limit your independence, diminish your productivity and alter your personal and professional relationships. Using responsible driving behavior may protect you from a serious brain injury if you do end up in a car accident.
Following the rules
Lawmakers carefully design traffic laws to protect you from harm. Speed limits, for example, take into account the environment, surrounding hazards, traffic flow and traffic patterns among other things. Exceeding the recommended speed can increase your chances of crashing and suffering serious injury.
Your commitment to obeying traffic laws can help you maintain control of your vehicle. In addition, wearing your seatbelt can reduce your risk of ejection. Complying with traffic laws and regulations may be the difference in your outcome during a car accident.
Using caution
Driving while impaired greatly impedes your ability to make critical decisions. A delay of even a second could immediately endanger you, your passengers and other motorists on the road. Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol so you can maintain optimal alertness. The Mayo Clinic warns against prescription drugs as well, which can also impair your response mechanisms.
Distracted driving can prevent you from noticing hazards on the road until it is too late. Distractions may include eating, using your phone, listening to loud music and talking with passengers. Staying focused while you drive will enable you to recognize potential dangers and respond in a controlled and safe manner. Even if you cannot avoid a crash completely, having even a second longer to respond may protect you from serious bodily harm.
