The winter is finally over, but it did quite a number on our vehicles. In addition to the grime on the outside, there are many things inside that need to be checked as well. So in this article, we’ll detail some of the most important accident safety items you should check when you clean your vehicle this spring.
Add a Disposable Camera to the Glove Box
If you get into an accident, you can use the disposable camera to take pictures of the scene, leaving your phone free for communication purposes. This is important because without any photographic evidence of the crash, the at-fault party’s insurance could be successful in their attempts to minimize the amount of damage done to the vehicle(s) involved. And while there is absolutely no relationship between vehicle damage and occupant injury, insurers have claimed in the past that minor vehicle damage proves the occupants could not be hurt seriously.
Removing Bluetooth or Hands-Free Devices
The website www.drivinglaws.org says 10% of the more than 10,000 annual distracted driving crashes in Pennsylvania are the result of handheld cellular phone use.
Unfortunately, there are a growing number of studies that suggest hands-free phone devices such as earpieces and Bluetooth are not helping to reduce distracted driving. In a white paper published in 2012, the National Safety Council (NSC) said hands-free devices do not prevent a driver’s cognitive distraction. In this type of impairment, the driver doesn’t even realize he/she is distracted, but studies showed slower response times, slower reaction times, and problems staying in the correct lane.
The best thing for your safety and for the safety of other drivers is to remove the distraction altogether. Put the cell phone away, remove the temptation of the hands-free device, and focus 100% on the drive. It may even involve explaining to frequent callers that you will be unavailable during those times.
Accident Preparedness Kits
The insurance company Allstate says the ultimate emergency car kit includes a:
- Flashlight
- Rain poncho
- Emergency radio
- Paracord or bungee cord
- Extra batteries
- First-Aid kit
- Emergency phone numbers on a laminated card
It’s a good idea to check the inventory of your kit this spring. You could help yourself immensely and keep yourself safe if you become involved in an accident.
Car Maintenance
In addition to the things you keep in the car, it’s a good idea to check your car’s maintenance needs after the harsh winter and before you embark on the long summer drives. The Institute for Automotive Service Excellence says spring is a prime time for auto maintenance. Some of their tips include:
- Reading the car’s manual to keep track of recommended service schedules.
- Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc. corrected before hot weather sets in.
- Flush and refill the cooling system.
- Check and change the oil and oil filter if necessary.
- Check the tire condition.
- Replace worn wiper blades and windshield cleaning solvent.
Contact Us for More Tips
We want everyone in the Philadelphia area to be safe on the road. So, we’ve published the Pennsylvania Car Accident Playbook. It’s the definitive guide on how to handle a car accident. We’re also offering a free In Case of an Accident brochure that can fit nicely into your glove box. Just call (267) 627-4JOE (267-627-4563) or contact us through our website to request your copy.
Our promise is to deliver outstanding customer service and our motto is: More Service than You Would Expect.
Joe Mitchell: Harvard Educated, Street Smart. Philadelphia Accident Attorney
