Because you never plan to get into a car accident, finding yourself in that predicament can be pretty unnerving. Whether you were at fault or are the victim of someone’s negligence, you can be prepared to face the unexpected when you have taken precautions beforehand to protect yourself. Your proactivity and resolve to be prepared may help to lessen the tension of a dangerous situation and provide you with added confidence and peace of mind.
According to Esurance, there are several helpful things you can do to be prepared when you plan to drive anywhere. These include the following:
- In anticipation of leaving, make sure your phone is all the way charged and put it somewhere secure in your vehicle where you can access it in case of an emergency.
- Put together an emergency bag that includes basic tools, an extra blanket, food and water, flares, and first aid supplies among other things.
- Make sure that your vehicle registration and insurance information are up-to-date and in an accessible location. Also never leave without your driver’s license.
- Properly secure luggage in your vehicle to prevent it from slipping or flying through the air if you are involved in a collision or have to brake quickly.
Before you begin driving, make sure that your seatbelt is on and that you have put away anything that could distract your attention away from the road. If you have children or pets, make sure that their needs have been adequately tended to so you do not have to deal with interruptions during your travel.
You never know when one of the preparations you have made will alleviate stress and help you to remain calm in an unexpected situation. If you are involved in a collision, contact 911 right away and try to safely get yourself out of harm’s way while you wait for first responders.