In the US, around 16,438 car crashes occur every single day. The numbers certainly are shocking, which is why it’s extremely important that we take extra care when out on the road.
If you do happen to be involved in an accident, being prepared and knowing what steps to take can mean the difference between life and death. Below, we are going to talk about four car crash scenarios and explain what you should do if you’ve been involved in them.
Want to learn more? Let’s get started.
1. The vehicle is sinking in water.
If your car has been driven into a body of water, the first thing you need to do is remain calm and act quickly. Remove your seatbelt and wind down the window before your car is fully submerged. This is important, as the pressure of the water will make it almost impossible to open the door. After this, take a few deep breaths and exit the vehicle as quickly as possible.
Once you have reached shore, if injured, apply first aid to yourself and passengers as required. However, keep in mind that you should never try and move an unresponsive individual unless absolutely necessary.
2. The vehicle has been flipped upside down
If your vehicle has been flipped and has landed upside down, you need to assess your injuries before anything else. If you don’t have any significant cuts or breaks, turn off the engine (if possible) and work on your exit strategy. You need to stabilize yourself with one hand and undo your seatbelt with the other. Once down, look for the safest exit. You may need to break a window using something nearby.
Remember, safety is always your number one priority. After escaping and recovering, you can then look into hiring a car accident lawyer with the help of Top Researched.
3. The vehicle is on fire
If your car suddenly catches fire, it’s essential to act quickly. Pull over ASAP and shut off the engine. You then need to get yourself and any passengers out and get as far away from the vehicle as possible (to avoid flames/toxic fumes). Once everyone is safe, call 911 and inform them of the situation. Remember, under no circumstances should you go back to the car to retrieve something.
4. The vehicle is hanging from a cliff
Being in a car that is hanging over a cliff can be one of the scariest situations to be in. However, while you might think about staying put, your best chance is to exit the vehicle. If your front doors are on solid ground, exit as usual as quickly as you can. If not, slowly recline your seat and move to the back of the car. You can then try and exit through the back door or rear window.
And that’s it. These were four car crash scenarios and what to do if you were involved in one of them. It’s always best to be prepared.
