Unfortunately, car accidents are a very common phenomenon that occurs every day. The issue about driving is that even if you are an excellent driver, your chances of getting into a car accident, while are comparatively low, are never diminished. Driving is like one large group project; if a nearby driver makes a major mistake, most surrounding cars will get affected. This can feel extremely frustrating because even though you’re keen on driving responsibly, you can never guarantee, control, or predict the actions of others. This sounds scary, especially if you have a family. Here are the top ways to protect your family in case of an accident.
Wear Seat Belts
This is one of the most obvious and easy ways to protect your family in case of an accident. Make sure that everyone has their seat belt on as soon as they get into the car. Many people think that seat belts can’t save lives in case of a fatal accident. However, according to statistics, the majority of passengers and drivers who die in car crashes are unrestrained; seat belts can decrease the possibility of death by 45%. Seat belts can also reduce the risk of serious injuries by 50%. If you aren’t wearing a seatbelt, you’re 30 times more likely to be forced out of the car during a fatal car crash, increasing your risk of death by 75%. They can help you and your family avoid unnecessary grave injuries and losses.
Car Seat
While car safety seats for children are required by the law, they are one of the most reliable ways to keep your child safe in case of an accident. While you may be tempted to hold your child during a crash, a car seat can soften the blow of the accident. For children under the age of one, car seats were found to reduce the risk of major injury by around 70%. Make sure that your child’s car seat meets or surpasses the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. You should also use the right type of car seat for your child’s size and age, and learn the correct way of installing them. Some people don’t know that an infant’s car seat should be rear-facing. Make sure that the seat is installed correctly; if you’re unsure, you can have it checked by a child car seat inspection station, a public safety group, a local health department or hospital, and even a fire department. You should also ensure that if you have to place a car seat in the front seat, though strongly advised against, make sure that the airbag is turned off.
Insurance Coverage
Getting full coverage on your vehicle in Canada can help you cover repairs and medical bills. It’s also important to look into life insurance quotes in Canada to determine the best life insurance companies. Although this will cost you money, it’s a small price to pay to ensure the safety of your family. When selecting an insurance policy, you should remember that many aspects, including insurance and credit scores, age, and gender, can affect the price you’ll be paying.
Car Maintenance
Many avoidable car accidents occur because the driver was unaware of a malfunction in the car. For instance, the brakes may stop working, or the car may start to slow down and stop operating. In many cases, issues like these can be spotted early on during a maintenance check. Even if lack of maintenance isn’t the cause of the accident, if your car is in good shape, it’s more likely to help you steer clear of any possible accidents. Maintaining your car regularly can help you avoid several accidents and avoid incoming ones.
Stress and Speed
We understand that between running errands, going to work, taking the kids to school, and dropping them off at sports practice, you must be rushing around the streets. Being a parent is a very stressful full-time job. The endless tasks and being in a constant hurry are unavoidable. This may lead you to lose focus while driving, which is especially dangerous if you’re speeding. Keep your head clear and your focus on the road. You should also try to take control of your stress and anxiety and remind yourself that being a few minutes late at the expense of your family’s safety is worth it.
Car accidents are most parent’s biggest fears. Most people become more grounded and less reckless drivers after building a family, as protecting their family has become their number one priority. Everyone, even the most careful drivers, is susceptible to getting into a car crash. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your family safe.