While no one wants to get into an auto collision, it is a relief if the damage to your vehicle and the need to file an auto insurance claim are your biggest concerns. That’s far better than you or a loved one being injured in the crash. To make a positive outcome more likely, use the following advice to keep as safe as possible on the road.  

How to Avoid Accident-Related Injuries

1. Check Seatbelts & Car Seats

No matter how short or slow the drive, always make sure every adult in the car has a seatbelt on and every child is in an appropriately-sized car seat. In 2017, seatbelt usage was estimated to save 14,955 lives. Similarly, car seat usage is shown to reduce children’s risk of death or serious injury by as much as 82%.

2. Sit Straight

Airbags can greatly reduce the risk of death and injury by softening the blow of a collision. However, this protection may not work properly if people aren’t sitting in the correct position. For optimal safety, anyone in the car should sit in a way that supports the natural curve of the spine—usually when the seat is reclined at about 95 to 100 degrees. It’s also important to sit with both feet flat on the floor.

3. Adjust the Steering Wheel

Driver airbags are located within the steering wheel. If the car crashes, these airbags are most effective when positioned at the chest—not the face. To achieve the best reinforcement, always raise or lower the steering wheel so that the center is aligned with the middle of your chest.

4. See a Doctor Right Away

Many injuries related to auto collisions—such as whiplash—may not reveal signs until much later, when the problem is more difficult to treat. With a prompt medical examination, these issues can be detected and treated early on for the best results. A doctor’s report can also provide information to support auto insurance claims.

5. Invest in High-Quality Car Insurance

If an accident was your fault or the at-fault party is not insured, you may not receive the full amount of medical coverage you need with standard auto insurance. As such, it’s best to have a policy that has increased medical limits for the people in your vehicle. This coverage will help pay for medical care that may save your life or reduce the severity of an injury.

When you want to provide your family with the greatest protection on the road, turn to Accredited Insurance Group, Inc. Serving the Greater Omaha, NE, area, this independent insurance agency will introduce you to a variety of policies that fit your exact needs—including collision coverage with increased medical limits. They can also bundle your policy with other products to extend your peace of mind—such as motorcycle or home insurance. To learn more about these options, visit this provider online. For an auto insurance quote, call (402) 334-1780.