Tips for Auto Accident Survivors

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1. STAY OUT OF THE FAST LANE: On a multi-lane road, the center lane or right lane give you more options and escape routes. Experts say that most highway accidents occur in the fast or left lane. So watch out.
2. ALWAYS SCAN AHEAD: Anticipate the road ahead. Keep an eye on the car in front of you and look beyond.
3. REMEMBER 9 AND 3. That’s where your hands should be on the wheel to maximize your control of the car and to take emergency action if necessary.
4. HEALTHY CAR, HEALTHY DRIVER: Maintain your car for the good times like family trips but also for emergencies. A well-kept car with good tires will improve your chances in the clutch.
5. SIT ON THE HUMP: The uncomfortable hump in the backseat of a car is the spot where no one wants to sit, but experts say it's actually the safest for passengers
6. University of Buffalo researchers examined fatal automobile crashes in the United States between 2000 and 2003 when someone was riding in the middle seat. Factoring in variables--including weather conditions and the age and type of vehicle--they found that the rear middle seat was 16% safer than any other place in the vehicle. Overall, they discovered that riding in the back is 59% to 86% safer than riding in the front, and riding on the hump is 25% safer than riding in the rear window seats.
7. BRIGHT CARS ARE BETTER. If you're searching for the safest vehicle, you might want to avoid cars with dark paint colors. In a study of 17 years of automobile crashes that resulted in death, injury, or serious damage, Australian researchers found that white cars were less likely to be involved in accidents than those of any other color. Compared with white cars in daylight hours, black cars had a 12% higher crash risk; gray, 11%; silver, 10%; blue and red, 7%. At dawn or dusk, black cars had a 47% higher crash risk than white cars; gray, 25%; silver, 15%.
   Accidents can’t be avoided entirely. They’re bound to happen. But if you follow some of these tips, you will increase your chances of surviving.
8. WATCH OUT FOR JULY 4th and AUGUST: Independence Day Fourth has the highest number of car crash deaths every year followed closely by July 3rd. August is another deadly month because so many drivers are on the road. January and February are the safest months because fewer cars are on the road. Evenings and weekends are the deadliest times on the roads. Specifically, 5 to 7 pm is the most dangerous time period. Saturday had the highest number of fatalities while Tuesday has the lowest.