We all know that a road is a dangerous place. There are lots of hazards that you may encounter while driving. That’s why you must be vigilant and cautious to avoid accidents. On the other hand, if you do get involved in an accident, you should know what to do in that situation. We prepared this article to help you out.
Common Causes of Road Accidents
The first thing we need to understand for us to be safe from accidents is to know what causes them. This will help us identify the things we sometimes do that can lead to disaster. On the other hand, it will also help us recognize other drivers and report them to the authorities for legal actions.
Over Speeding
Have you ever seen a video where a cop pulls a car over because they’re driving over the speed limit? While we usually shrug it off and think to ourselves that they should just let them be, overspeeding is actually one of the leading causes of road accidents. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to road signs because these would almost always indicate the top speed you are allowed to go on a certain public road.
Drunk Driving
Another common reason why road accidents happen is drunk driving. That’s why drunk driving is a grave offense in multiple states. You have to keep in mind that alcohol consumption can significantly reduce a person’s concentration. If you really want to go to a place or event where you know you will be drinking, it’s best to take public transport or at least find a place there where you can stay the night.
Distractions
Lastly, drivers often place various devices near them or on their dashboards that can cause distractions. When they pay less attention to the road and more attention to these devices, just a few seconds of inattentiveness can lead to accidents. Following the laws about distracted driving and making sure you have a clear line of view are important.
What to Do If You Get Involved in an Accident
On the other hand, we understand that some accidents are unavoidable. While it’s true that you can take all the necessary steps to reduce the risk of accidents, it’s also true that some drivers may not be as responsible. That’s why you must know what you need to do if you find yourself in a situation like this.
The first thing you need to do is to try and stay calm. Panicking wouldn’t do you any good because you may not think clearly, and you would shorten your breath. If there isn’t any fire or gasoline that leaked on the road, try to stay where you are, especially if you feel pain in certain parts of your body. Moving would probably lead to a more dangerous situation.
The next thing you should do is try to reach your mobile phone and call 911 to inform them about what happened. You should also call a car accident attorney right away to make sure that you know what you need to do next, such as take pictures of what happened for documentation.
The Laws That Surround Dash Cam Use
It would also be helpful if you have a dashcam mounted inside your car. However, we’ve mentioned earlier that this might cause distractions or even lawsuits if you don’t know how to use it properly and legally. That’s why you must also learn about the laws about using a dashcam.
Obstruction of View
The use of dashcams is almost always legal in every state. However, many states follow strict protocols on where it should be mounted.
If you incorrectly install your dashcam, chances are you may be breaking some laws and putting your passengers and yourself at risk. Always make sure to check the laws of your state about mounting options before installing one.
Inform Your Passengers
It is illegal to capture a video of someone without their consent. As such, if you’re using your dashcam for purposes outside of personal use, you have to inform your passengers that they are being recorded. It’s also important to note that they have the right to refuse to be recorded.
Research About Foreign Laws
If you plan on going to a different state or a different country, you also need to familiarize yourself with their laws regarding dashcams. Each state or country often has its own set of laws about dashcams. Also, if you want to avoid trouble, you need to conduct proper research before using one in their land.
Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, even when you’re extremely careful. That’s why it’s important to familiarize yourself with all the things that surround road and car accidents. That’s the best solution to avoid being in these situations.
