If you are a car driver, have you ever been in an accident? They are something that we don’t really want to think about. But sadly there are around 300 reported road accidents a day, so it is a possibility that you need to be prepared for.
In this article we take a look at:
If you are involved in a car accident, there may be nothing you could have done to prevent it. For example, it may be a mechanical fault with the car, or it may be completely caused by another driver.
But there are still a few things that you can do to try and reduce the risk of being involved in a car accident. Let’s take a look:
Even though we all understand the importance of looking after your car properly, it is all too easy to forget to do it.
So make it your aim to do a few external checks on your car regularly, for example:
Also be aware of how your car is driving and performing, and if you have any concerns – or if warning lights should appear – get a professional car mechanic to take a look.
Be honest. Do you really know everything about your car? Cars have so many features that it can be difficult to completely understand them all. But it is definitely worth taking the time to do this, particularly before setting out on a long journey. Driving and traffic conditions can change very suddenly, and if you suddenly have to use fog lamps, hazard lights, or clear your screen you need to be confident in what you are doing so you don’t become distracted.
Whenever you set off on a journey, make sure you have a good idea of the route you are going to take. Don’t leave it all to your SatNav! You need to know the major roads that will take you where you want to go, and also look at some alternative options in case of road closures, diversions or delays.
A bit of advance planning and preparation will avoid you having to keep checking the route while driving, and will keep you safer.
Three of the most common causes of road accidents in the UK are all to do with driving. In particular:
So always make every effort to drive carefully even if you are in a hurry. This could dramatically reduce the number of accidents on the UK’s roads.
Also try to be patient and show consideration to other drivers. Remember that everyone makes mistakes – even you!
Always check the weather forecast and traffic reports before you set out on a long journey. Whilst both these can change, it will help you to be prepared for any eventuality, and could prevent you from being stuck for hours in a traffic jam that you could have avoided.
If weather and traffic conditions change, you will need to adapt your driving accordingly, for example driving more slowly and carefully, and putting on lights and fog lamps. Always keep a careful eye on everything going on around you so that you can protect yourself and others.
But even if you do all the above, you may still end up being in a car accident through on fault of your own. Let’s take a look at what you should do.
It is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act to stop your car if you are involved in an accident, even if you think it is very minor. So pull over, turn off your engine and put your hazard lights on. If it is safe to do so, get everyone out of the car and off the road.
If the accident is serious or is causing an obstruction, call 999 immediately. The same applies if another driver is becoming aggressive.
But all car accidents need to be reported to the police within 24 hours even if they are not as serious. This can be done using 101.
Check carefully to see if anyone has been injured in any way. If in any doubt at all, call an ambulance. Also keep an eye on each other for the 24 hours or so after the accident as concussion can come on later. If anyone has symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or vagueness, you need to seek medical help.
You need to inform your car insurer about the accident as soon as you can, usually within 24 hours, even if you don’t intend to make an insurance claim.
So make sure that you exchange relevant details – such as names, contact details, names of insurers, and car details – with the other party. It is a good idea to keep your insurer’s details on your phone so that you can provide them instantly if needed.
Make a note of the date, time and details of the accident and also take photos that can help to show what happened and any damage caused. Also get contact details from any witnesses to the accident.
We sincerely hope that you are never involved in any kind of car accident. But if the worst should happen then we hope that the above advice is useful to help you start to sort things out.
If you need a financial boost to get your car back onto the road again, remember that Munzee offers 24 month loans that could help to spread the cost.
For more lifestyle and financial tips from Munzee Loans visit us here again soon.
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