Protecting Yourself in Collision

Under any circumstances, you must be wearing the seat belt at all times while driving. The advantages of wearing a seat belt during a collision are discussed below.

• It will keep you from being thrown out of the car.
• The car stops at impact, but its occupant keeps moving and is most likely to be stopped by the dashboard or windshield. To avoid this, seat belts are very effective.

The collision can take place from any direction. Your precautionary steps during some common types of collision are mentioned below.

• Being hit from the rear

  
  • Steer away from opposing traffic.
  • Brace yourself between the steering wheel and the seat back; make sure that their is no gap between head-rest and head.
    
    Figure: No gap between head-rest and head

• Being hit from the side

  
  • Brace yourself with the steering wheel to keep from being thrown against the side of the car.

• Being hit from the front

  
  • Throw yourself across the seat, so that you do not hit the steering column or the windshield.
  • For the same reason, seat belts are very important for your safety. Otherwise, you are in risk of hurting your neck.