As soon as you get behind the wheel, several underlying risk factors can materialize as real accidents if the proper precautions are not taken. For this reason, it is necessary to know what they are and how to deal with them. Thus, you can mitigate them and safeguard everyone’s life.
Main Risk Factors in Accidents
Distractions while driving
Distracting yourself while behind the wheel can be extremely dangerous. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that cell phone use is one of the most important causes of traffic accidents. Averting your gaze to take a call or answer a message, for example, can prevent you from seeing an obstacle in time.
Lack of experience
Behind the famous phrase “practice makes perfect” hides a bit of truth. Over the years, you are expected to develop your skills and increase the ability to react or maneuver; therefore, drive with extreme caution, especially if you have little experience.
Speeding
The number of deaths from this cause increased by 26% between 2008 and 2018. In this sense, driving faster than allowed is a determining factor in liability in traffic accidents and one of the most common assumptions. Do not forget that currently, the maximum speed is 50 km / h in urban areas.
Problems on the tracks
When the state of the roads is deplorable, the chances of having an accident increase. For this reason, it is advisable to drive with caution on pavements that are in poor condition or on little-known roads.
Unfavorable weather conditions
Driving in the rain or driving in the snow can be factors that impair your vision and put you at risk, especially if it is windy or foggy. For this reason, it is prudent to drive slowly in these types of situations.
Bad condition of the vehicle
One of the reasons why it is essential to maintain your car is to avoid accidents. At least your brakes, tires, and lights should be in tip-top shape before starting a trip.
Drunkenness
Consuming drugs or alcohol decreases a person’s ability to react by up to 30%, according to Conaset. Being in a state of euphoria can give you a false sense of security that pushes you to underestimate the danger.
What to do in a traffic accident?
Have you ever wondered what to do in a traffic accident? By the provisions of the Traffic Law, the first thing you should do after stopping the vehicle notifies the police. These will evaluate the damages, obtain the version of the facts that the parties dictate, and record the event. In case they have been injured, they should receive medical attention.
In the meantime, the question may arise of what to do after a traffic accident, especially if there are injuries. In this case, keep in mind that if you have an insurance policy, you must notify the claim as soon as possible.
Liability in traffic accidents
If you do not follow the procedure for a traffic accident as established by the legislation and flee the place, your responsibility in the event will be presumed. This can lead to suspension of the driver’s license, the issuance of fines, and in some cases, jail time. Not respecting the signs, pedestrian crossings, or direction of traffic is also your responsibility.
Likewise, driving a car in poor condition, exceeding the allowed speed, or going overloaded, are not only risk factors in traffic accidents but additional presumptions of responsibility.
Sometimes your nerves can make a bad move on you and not allow you to see clearly what to do after a traffic accident. So try to stay calm and ask for help. Do not forget the procedure for a traffic accident and, above all,
