We get that drivers are responsible for most car accidents but do you know you are also liable as a passenger? However experienced a driver may be, passengers can help them avoid accidents. A trial attorney based in California notes that an individual injured as a passenger in a car wreck rightfully deserves compensation for injuries they suffer in the accident.
How Do You Prevent a Car Crash as a Passenger?
A passenger, just like the driver, has a role in preventing a car crash. Drivers need help when the road gets busy and who better to provide this assistance than the passengers? There are many reminders to ensure safety on the road, and the driver could use some help from the passengers to ensure their safety.
A car crash is an unfortunate incident that may result in death and loss of productivity. After understanding the causes of road accidents, how do you prevent a car crash while traveling as a passenger?
1. Help the Driver Focus on the Road
Traveling with familiar people elicits joy and enthusiasm that may distract the driver from focusing on the road. At the same time, it is an enjoyable thing to engage the driver in a conversation, and help them navigate and focus on the road. Try not to bring up a topic about yourself because it will distract their focus from the road.
Avoiding distractions like loud music can also help the driver to focus on the road solely. Navigating the road may be unmanageable, especially at night, and you can help the driver make the right turn by looking out the side mirror which may be dim to look out at night.
2. Limit the Use of Your Cell Phone
Avoiding the use of a cell phone is essential for the driver as well as the passenger. Limiting a cell phone for the passenger helps keep the driver focused on the road by using the time you would have been on the cell phone to help the driver navigate the road.
Additionally, you can help the driver attend to their phone calls and messages so that they do not remove their hands from the steering wheel and eyes from the road.
3. Have a Seatbelt On
You probably know it, but I will repeat it. Put on a seat belt at all times while traveling. In case of a crash, a seat belt comes in handy to prevent the impact that a crash incident may bring.
While the airbag helps in preventing the crash, a seatbelt is also vital. Using an airbag is secondary to the seat belt; therefore, it is essential to buckle up before setting out on a journey.
4. Call Out the Driver on Bad Driving Behavior
Drivers, like any other humans, are prone to mistakes. They sometimes may get in over their head and drive recklessly and risk the passengers’ lives on board. Politely call them out on bad driving behavior and ask that they adhere to road safety.
You can reach out to the helplines available and report the misconduct of the driver. The relevant authorities will take necessary action to ensure that the drivers maintain safety on the road.
Road Safety Starts with You
While you may think road safety is solely the driver’s responsibility, you, as a passenger, have the responsibility to ensure your safety on the road as well. The passenger can take simple steps that will give the driver an easy time on the road. Road safety and helping the driver to maintain it can equally be the passenger’s responsibility.