when road trips turn deadly

When Road Trips Turn DeadlyKnow how to protect yourself from small to fatal road accidents.

In 2013, 30,057 fatal motor vehicle crashes occurred in the United States . California had 3,000 deaths from car accidents. That’s about

7 deaths per 100,000 people.Source: www.iihs.org

1,112 car occupants died in fatal car collisions, compared to 485 from SUVs and pickups. Nationwide, 57 percent of deaths are from

single-vehicle crashes. Source: www.iihs.org

54 percent of road accidents nationwide happened in rural areas. In California however,

61 percent of vehicle collisions occurred in urban locations.

Source: www.iihs.org

Car crashes cause a multitude of injuries ranging from head and spine injuries, back, facial,

internal, as well as emotional and psychological trauma.

Source: www.caraccidentinfo.org

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR LOVED ONESIf you’re going on a road trip, make sure everyone

knows what to do in case of a road accident.

KEEP A COPY OF EMERGENCY NUMBERSMake sure that everyone in the car has these

numbers in their phones. You can also write these on address books or tiny notepads.

BRING NECESSARY DOCUMENTSThings such as insurance papers, identification

cards, maps, and itinerary should not be forgotten.

MARK IMPORTANT PITSTOPSWhen planning your route, be familiar with

hospitals, clinics, convenience stores, and vehicle repair shops along the way.

BRING A FIRST AID KITAside from car repair tools, don’t forget a basic first aid kit. You can buy these at your local retail

shop like Target.

HAVE CASH ON HANDYou never know when you may need change or a

few bills to pay for miscellaneous expenditures.

IN CASE OF A ROAD ACCIDENT:It can be challenging to travel as a group - but try

and keep everyone together. Stay calm. Assure them that help will be on its way.

NOT ALL INJURIES WILL BE INSTANTLY OBVIOUS!If you or a loved one has suffered from a car

accident – even a minor one – seek medical attention immediately.

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE AGENCYAfter a road accident, call your insurance agent

and tell them about what happened. However, DO NOT give an official or written statement to

the other party’s insurance adjuster.

EXCHANGE INFORMATIONThe most important details are the driver’s name,

contact info, and insurance provider. Stay until an ambulance and/or the police arrives.

After a car accident, the most important thing to remember is to stay calm. Don’t worry – help will

always come to those who need it.