How to Avoid Being the Victim of an Automobile Accident

When finding yourself the victim of a hit and run accident, don't become angry. Think quickly and you will be able to handle the situation with calm. If not, the driver of the other vehicle may just get away scott free.

Yesterday my son was the victim of a hit and run accident. It appeared from what he observed, the driver of the other vehicle was drunk. Might have been the reason he took off with such speed. However, even though I realize this was the first time he had ever been involved in an accident, I decided to make sure and guide him on what to do if he is ever the victim of such a crime again.

Make Sure You Are Aware of Your Surroundings

When I am driving, I always keep my focus on all four directions surrounding me. It's a drivers responsibility to drive for themselves as well as other drivers. You never know who is on the road drinking, under the influence of drugs, ill, or just not observant. To try and avoid being the victim of an inattentive, inebriated or just down right ignorant driver, make sure you keep looking in all four directions. It's very easy. You have a mirror on both sides of your vehicle, a mirror in the center of the dash and you have the ability to be aware of everything in front of you. Make sure you use the mirrors to be observant.

Watch Out and Avoid Unusual Drivers

If you see a driver swerving, talking on their cell phone, seemingly not aware of their surroundings or behaving erratically, get away from this driver as quickly and safely as possible. Being aware of your surroundings is vital in maintaining your safety on the road. When you notice the irresponsible actions of another driver, pull off the road until they pass, if possible pass them as quickly and safely as possible. If an officer is around, let them know of the irresponsible driver. They will appreciate it in the long run.

Notify Law Enforcement or Highway Patrol Immediately

We all have cell Phones. I wish I had listened almost twenty years ago when I was offered a piece of the prize regarding cell phones. However, generally almost one hundred percent of the drivers on the road today have a cell phone. Use it when it should be used; when their is a dangerous situation or in case of an emergency. When you see a driver that appears to be driving irresponsibly, call 911, FHP or find the first officer you see on the road and tell them. Patrolling the highways for bad drivers is not something they can do everywhere. They try, but it's an impossibility. Help them when you notice drivers swerving in and out of lanes, driving while being unobservant and on a cell phone, driving too fast, erratically or dangerously.