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Can You Guess the Single Action You Can Take to Greatly Reduce Your Chances of Injury in a Car Accident?

While there are many new safety features on vehicles and new standards of staying distraction-free, there is still one single step you can take that will dramatically improve your chances of avoiding injury or death in a car accident: Wearing a seatbelt. Other safety steps are important and can save lives too but wearing a seatbelt is still essential and offers the best protection in an accident.

Keep reading to learn more about the importance of seatbelts, how they protect you in a car accident, and how to properly wear them. If you have already been in an accident, you can contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.

The Most Common Causes of Car Accidents

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the most common cause of crashes in our state are speeding, violating the laws of the road, and driving while distracted. To stay as safe as possible, avoid these activities. That can help you prevent being in an accident in the first place but wearing a seatbelt correctly can be the key to not suffering injury or suffering only minor issues if you are involved in a car accident.

The Correct Way for Adults to Seatbelts

In order to maximize your safety, make sure that your seatbelt fits properly. Put it on every single time you get in your vehicle – even if you are only driving around the block. Even accidents at 25 miles per hour can cause serious injuries and death. Remember as well that most accidents occur within just a few miles of a person’s home.

When you put on the lap portion of the seatbelt, it should sit low your lap and it should be snug. The should portion of the seatbelt should cross the center of your chest – it sold never lay against your neck. Pregnant women should still wear seatbelts. When driving, they should move their seats back as far as they can.

The Correct Way for Children to Use Seatbelts

To lower the chances of a child being injured in a car accident, children should ride in the back and always wear their seatbelts. They should only get in the front after they are 12 years old. They should use child seats that have been approved for their age and weight until they are either 4 feet 9 inches tall or weigh 90 pounds. Child seats should be in the back. Do not put a rear facing child seat in front of an airbag.

Of course, seatbelts cannot prevent accidents and they cannot prevent all injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now and request a free legal consultation.