Tips to Prevent Car Accidents
By Sara Butler
Chiropractors see many patients that have been in automobile accidents and now are suffering from whiplash. According to the National Institutes of Health, about a million Americans will suffer from whiplash this year alone, and for 20 percent of them, the neck pain turns chronic. This is why, when you’re in an automobile accident, you should always see your chiropractor, no matter how minor the accident is. Let's face it, you're not strapped into your car with the same protection as the Formula One drivers at Circuit of the Americas.
While your chiropractor may be able to help treat your neck pain when you’ve been in a car accident, the best way to deal with whiplash is to never experience it! How can you do that? Here are some tips from your friendly chiropractors at The Joint to help you avoid whiplash injuries by avoiding car accidents in the first place!
Reduce Distractions
There are a ton of things in your car that can distract you when you’re trying to drive, and limiting these things can help you keep your focus on the road. When you’re in the car try to avoid:
- Unsecured pets
- Loud and disorderly passengers
- Eating
- Reading
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
The number one offender these days is cell phone use. Not only is looking down for so long bad for your neck in the first place, it’s also a very dangerous way to operate your car. When you’re distracted by your cell phone, you’re more likely to be in an accident.
Sometimes distractions can’t be avoided. You may love your kids, but they sometimes don’t make the best passengers. Consequently, they fit firmly in the raucous and loud category. Try to deal with the needs of your children before you pull out of your driveway, or pull over if you have to deal with something on the fly. Lewis Hamilton can leave his kids at home but oftentimes you can't.
Time to Get Out of the Fast Lane
It’s a known fact that most accidents happen in the left lane of the highway – the fast lane. If you stay in the center or in the right lane you are reducing your chances of being involved in an accident. Also remember that speeding increases your chances of being in an accident. But as a safe and law-abiding driver that’s not an issue for you – right?
If you utilize the safest driving methods possible and still get into an accident, don’t forget to visit the skilled team at The Joint Chiropractic to help assess your injury. The sooner you get an evaluation done, the better off you will be!