“Pull Over Quick, there is something wrong with the car!” What to do? Ac
cidents and breakdowns happen despite the reliability of your vehicle, the routine maintenance, best intention or even the best defensive driving. According to law enforcement, insurance and safety experts, the BIGGER Problem with breakdowns and accidents are the people who are not prepared to react quickly. They do nothing to minimize the damage to their property, them selves or other vehicles.
To help minimize breakdowns, you should routinely check your tires for ware and tear and check the tire pressure. According to studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the leading cause of tire failure is under-inflation.
Also check all fluids in your car including the oil, break fluid, windshield washer fluid and antifreeze for proper levels, consistency, color, smell, etc. Take your vehicle to a professional for evaluation if unsure.
Also be aware of leaks on your garage floor or parking area. These leaks act as a huge warning sign that you are having a problem, that needs immediate attention.
Your environment also has a Huge Impact on your vehicle protection and maintenance. If you live in an area that experiences severe cold or severe heat you may want to purchase a Severe Condition Roadside Safety Kit.
Athough most accidents occur within 25 miles of home according to (NHTSA). Long commuters and busy highways and major thoroughfare have their own unique safety issues. Being prepared with the American Red Cross Auto Safety Kit helps protect you in just such emergencies.
These kits contain everything from Easy-Start Battery Chargers, Reflective safety Triangles, Working Gloves, Ice Scrapers, and Safety Vest, Seat belt Cutters, to Multi-Tool Emergency Hammers.
You can’t control the weather, accidents, breakdowns and traffic related problems. But you can control how you respond.
If you are in an accident, try to get off the road. If unable, at least try to turn on your hazard lights and then safely exit your vehicle. If at night turn on your Emergency Light from your Safety Kit and let approaching vehicles know of the danger. ALWAYS AVOID TRAFFIC.
Call 911 (or operator) for assistance. If unavailable, contact a friend or family member and let them know of your location.
After you have moved your vehicle safely of the road, you may wait in your vehicle for law enforcement to assist you. However if you need to exit for safety reasons try to find shelter near the accident. Many traffic-related accidents deaths occur while pedestrians are walking in unfamiliar areas are in harsh weather conditions. Never get into a Stranger’s Vehicle.
There are over Six Million Car Crashes Annually. And yet few drivers are prepared to adequately handle their particular vehicle breakdown or accident. Don’t become a Statistic!
