{"id":15072,"date":"2020-04-07T19:51:54","date_gmt":"2020-04-07T19:51:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/?p=15072"},"modified":"2020-04-07T19:51:54","modified_gmt":"2020-04-07T19:51:54","slug":"5-ways-to-keep-your-loved-ones-safe-during-a-car-crash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/webdemo.icu\/site\/andywins\/blog\/5-ways-to-keep-your-loved-ones-safe-during-a-car-crash\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Ways to Keep Your Loved Ones Safe During a Car Crash"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We take a risk every time we get behind the wheel. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, car accidents<\/a> killed 1,617 people in Alabama and Mississippi in 2018. It\u2019s easy to assume that it won\u2019t happen to you. However, Alabama estimates that we have a 90% chance of being in a car crash in our lifetimes\u2014and a one in three chance of a severe or fatal accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t hit the road. However, it is wise to take steps ahead of time to give yourself the best possible outcome if the unthinkable happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay Safe in a Crash With These Safety Precautions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

At Andy Citrin Injury Attorneys, we\u2019re committed to driver safety education. It\u2019s surprising how simple things can save your life during a car accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Wear Your Seatbelt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wearing a seatbelt is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself on the road. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, 56% of people killed in car crashes were not wearing their seatbelts. While it\u2019s illegal to ride in a vehicle\u2019s front seat without a seatbelt, it\u2019s also in your best interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re unrestrained during a severe crash, your airbags are not enough to protect you. First, airbag systems sometimes fail to deploy during a collision. Second, when an impact triggers your airbag system, a small canister causes an explosion that inflates the airbag. It\u2019s not a gentle process, and the force of an airbag deploying can hurt or kill you if you\u2019re not wearing your seatbelt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you frequently ride with an animal, like a dog, in your vehicle, also consider getting a restraint system for them. Imagine you\u2019re driving your car, and your 65-pound Labrador retriever is sitting in the front passenger\u2019s seat. While in an intersection, another driver runs a red light and t-bones your car. Your beloved pet is flung towards you in the collision. Not only is your pet in danger in this situation, but so are you. Getting hit by 65-pounds of force can cause serious, life-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Maintain Proper Posture and Don\u2019t Brace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cars are designed to protect you in a crash, as long as you are sitting with proper posture. When your body is out of alignment because you\u2019re slouching, reclined, or bracing against the car, it may lead to additional injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While driving, adjust the seat, so your thighs are supported, your arms comfortably reach the steering wheel, and you can see out of your mirrors without having to crane your neck. Make sure your headrest is properly adjusted to support your head. The headrest prevents you from getting whiplash and other neck injuries; positioned directly behind your head is best<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Passengers should avoid putting their feet up on the dashboard and sit with their feet on the floor in front of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Secure Loose Objects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Loose objects become projectiles during a car accident. Previously harmless objects like canned goods, your laptop, a metal water bottle, or even your cell phone can cause tremendous damage in a car crash. To protect yourself, stow groceries and other goods in your trunk or truck bed, or securely behind your driver\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Use Age-Appropriate Safety Seats for Children<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Alabama and Mississippi have their own car seat laws, but we also suggest following the American Academy of Pediatrics\u2019 guidelines, which are considered the gold standard. If there\u2019s a child in your car, you should follow these guidelines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n