Every year, there are around 6 million car crashes in the US. And over 90 people die in car accidents per day.
While it’s not very likely it’ll happen to you, there’s certainly a chance that you’ll be in a serious auto accident. And if it happens, you need to have the right survival knowledge or it may literally cost your life.
We’re not trying to be alarmists, but rather, realists. Hopefully, you’ll never have to use this knowledge. But on the off-chance you do, it can help you see another day.
Here’s how to survive a car crash so you have the best chances of recovering after a nasty accident.
Always Wear Your Seat Belt
Before we address what to do after a car crash, let’s quickly go over what to do before one happens.
We cannot stress enough the importance of wearing your seat belt. Even if it’s uncomfortable, wearing one can save your life.
It’s been proven that seat belts can reduce fatalities by 74% in rollover accidents. In all other scenarios, seat belts are still proven to drastically reduce the chances of death.
So before you even start the car and get on the road, make sure both you and your passengers are wearing seat belts!
What to Do in an Accident
Not every accident ends in the same way, even if they’re of the same type.
Why is this? Because the driver took some wise actions before the actual accident happened.
The most important thing is to remain calm. Of course, it’s easier said than done, but if you can keep as level a head as you can, then you might be able to make some split-second decisions that’ll save lives.
If you sense an accident is going to happen, try to steer your car to avoid head-on collisions with either other cars or objects. So this might mean instead of slowing down, you might have to actually speed up.
In some cases, hitting something will be inevitable. If you’re in this situation, try to go for something that’ll do the least damage, such as some bushes.
How to Survive a Rollover Crash
This might be one of the most terrifying accidents to happen, so it’s vital you know what to do in case of emergencies.
The moment you notice the car might roll over, you might feel like turning the wheel in the opposite direction. But you should actually turn it in the direction you’re tilting toward!
If this doesn’t work, then you need to let go of the wheel and cross your arms across your chest. Put your hands on your shoulders and grab them tightly, with your chin tucked into your chest.
This is called the “turtle” position. It’ll help keep your spinal cord safe and your face protected from any flying debris.
Hold this position until the car is done rolling. When it’s stopped, turn off your engine and place your hands and/or feet firmly on the ceiling of your vehicle. Unbuckle your seat belt and make your way out through either a window or door.
You should then help others get out if they aren’t able to do the same.
How to Survive a Car Crash in Water
Should your vehicle crash into a body of water, this can be extra terrifying. But again, you need to keep your cool to get out of the situation alive.
Before you hit the water, brace yourself and don’t remove your seat belt prior to impact. Right after the crash, do everything you can to escape. Even if the car seems to be floating, this is only temporary, so you need to act quickly.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should remove your seat belt right away. Keep it on as you assess the situation, as being strapped in might help you in some scenarios, like kicking out a window. It can also help keep you in place right after you make an opening to escape through.
Always go for the windows and not the door or windshield. You won’t be able to break either of those on your own, so your best options are to roll down or break windows.
If you have others in the car with you, then once you escape, be careful about kicking to swim, as you may injure the others.
What to Do After an Accident
After surviving an accident, one of the first things you need to do is get medical attention. While you might feel ok at the moment, that’s probably the adrenaline and shock going through your system. You might be seriously injured and not even know it, and moving about can make it worse.
Dial 911 on an operable phone and stay put until an ambulance arrives. The only exception is if someone is in grave danger and needs to be moved out of harm’s way.
Once you’ve been checked out and treated, you need to also keep seeing a doctor to manage your pain and strengthen your body. You should see a doctor who specializes in car accidents, such as Vaaccidentdoctor.com. Not only can they treat you effectively, but they can also help you file insurance claims.
Know How to Survive a Car Crash
By knowing how to survive a car crash, you’ll be able to protect yourself and your passengers better. No matter what circumstance you find yourself in, the existing car crash knowledge you have will enable you to react quickly and increase the chances of survival.
So make sure you familiarize yourself with the tips in this article. And remember that in a car accident, quick and smart decisions are what will help you get out with as little harm as possible.
If you found this article on what to do in a car accident helpful, then make sure you check out the rest of our blog section.
