Things You Can Do Now to Prepare for the Day You Have an Accident

Auto accidents or “crashes”, as they are commonly called in the insurance industry today, can happen at any time. The very act of driving subjects you to risks, that you probably would not be exposed to, if not for exercising this “privilege”. 

There are some things that you can do today to better prepare you for the day when the inevitable does occur. Preparedness is one of the few risk mitigaters you as a driver possess.

- First, adjust your seat, seat belt, head rest and steering wheel to fit your body. The height of your position in the vehicle, plays a large role in how well you are able to oversee your environment and minimize blind spots. Luckily most vehicles now have lots of settings for adjustment. You no longer need to use a “booster seat”, or look through the top of your steering wheel, if you are of shorter stature. Be sure to look for the adjustment tabs on the head rests. These devices can be extremely helpful in protecting you from neck injury, if they are adjusted correctly. Also, lower any head rests that are not being used, to increase your field of vision.

- Set your side and rear view mirrors, to maximize how much of the area outside your vehicle, is in your line of sight. Make sure that your rear mirror is set for daylight or nightime conditions, as appropriate. Cleaning your mirrors is a safety practice, as is cleaning your vehicle’s windows.

- Now that your mirrors are adjusted, be sure to use them. If you have difficulty turning your head or neck when necessary, get in your car and spend a few minutes slowly rolling your neck and shoulders to relieve any stiffness. The more limber you are, the less injuries an impact will cause. 

- Have a small first-aid kit in your car. Even if you only have to cover a cut with a band-aid, it will still be a help to have with you. It can also help you to assist others when necessary.  The “Good Samaritan Law” protects you from liability when rendering aid in an emergency.

- Place a copy of your registration, proof of insurance and a copy of your driver’s license in your glove box. Producing these documents, is the law, in case of a crash. Although you should always carrry your driver’s license, having a copy in your car, will prevent embarrassing mishaps.

- Contact your insurance agent or company, and ask for a few accident report forms, to keep in your glove box. Also, be sure you have a working pen and note pad in your arsenal.

- Keep a portable or disposable camera in your car. Make sure these have a working battery and unexpired film. Pictures are documentation. There are many times in my career, that what was represented on a photograph, clarified the truth of statements made in the investigation.

- A spare jacket and blanket in your car, can save your life when weather conditions change, and you have to brave the elements, without the protection of your vehicle. I once attended a picnic, and was wearing a summer top and shorts. Without warning, my car suffered an engine failure. I had to call a cab, to drive me home, a distance of 50 miles. I remember how happy I was, to put on the old jacket, I had in the trunk, and wait for the taxi-cab, in the evening fog. The tempurature had gone down, by almost 30 degrees, before my taxi arrived.

- Have a water bottle in your car. Your body needs more water in times of stress. A delay in your schedule, can quickly lead to dehydration depending on the tempurature. If you are traveling a longer distance, having granola bars or other small food items, in your trunk, is a very good idea.

- If you can, equip your trunk with a working fire extinguisher. Be sure it is the correct type. Although an engine fire is a rare event, damage can be reduced exponentially, when the flames are put out quickly. I remember a dramatic scene on the side of the freeway, as I was driving to work one day, that illustrated this point. A car had pulled over onto the grassy median, with smoke coming out of the engine. Within minutes, two other motorists stopped, went to their trunks, pulled out fire extinguishers, and held them at the ready as the owner of the vehicle opened the hood. Flames shot into the air, but within seconds the fire was out. You could almost hear the collective sigh of relief, of the passing commuters as the smoke cleared. Not only was the engine saved, but so was the entire morning’s commute.

- A warning triangle and flares should be in your trunk at all times. Of course you always want to use your hazard lights, in the aftermath of an accident, but sometimes they are not enough. I recall hearing an explosive noise, in the engine of my car, when driving through a tunnel. I managed to pull over to the slow lane, and with hazard lights activated, craweled up the hill ahead, just as night was falling. The evening commute was whizzing by at warp speed. There was no shoulder. The flares in my trunk and warning triangle, came in very handy, to alert approaching motorists to my disabled vehicle, until a tow truck arrived.

- Keep bungee cords, or rope and red rags in your car. When a crash occurrs, and your car is drivable, it is your responsibility to “mitigate” your damages. This means securing any loose parts to prevent further damage, and making other drivers aware of any protruding areas of your damage, until you can get your vehicle to the body shop for repairs.

- Make sure your vehicle, its tires and all components are well maintained. Breakdown prevention, not only makes you safer and less stressed, but can also save you large sums of money. For instance, it is much easier to replace your brakes as soon as indicated, than paying for the brake replacement, a policy deductible, and an increase in your insurance premium, when they fail.

Accidents happen infrequently, but when they do, being prepared will save you a lot of aggravation. Often you and the other driver are the only ones on scene. Being able to record the necessary details and document the damages can save your reputation and good driver status.