In case you missed it, June is the National Safety Council’s National Safety Month. Throughout June, NSC and thousands of other organizations across the country are working to maintain their goal to “Keep Each Other Safe.” This month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in homes and communities.
You know it’s important to keep yourself safe, and you’ve heard all sorts of ways to do so. A safety strategy you might not think of, however, isn’t about you; it’s about your car. Simple maintenance issues that go unchecked can lead to an accident or injuries that could have been prevented.
Keep Track of Your…
Just as you do everything you can to prevent driver error from causing an accident (like avoiding texting or driving under the influence), you can do a lot to prevent your vehicle from malfunctioning, by paying attention to:
1. Tire Pressure: In a study by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tires and wheels were found to be responsible for 35% of crashes in which the vehicle was to blame. Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are at the right level to help prevent a flat tire or a blowout.
2. Brakes: Brake failure while driving is everyone’s worst nightmare, so don’t let it get that far. Checking the brake pads is something you should probably leave to the pros, so make sure you keep up with maintenance at the auto repair shop in addition to your own checks.
3. Steering: There are many parts of the steering system that you should make sure are getting inspected by your mechanic, including the tie rod end, ball joint, tie rod and ball joint lubrication, and the belt. One important component you can check and maintain yourself, though, is the power steering fluid. Without the fluid, you could lose power steering, making it very hard to control your car, especially at high speeds. You can refill the power steering fluid the same way you do an oil change; check out this video for details.
If All Else Fails and You Need Accident Help…
If you do suffer from an injury caused by your vehicle, it could also be due to defective manufacturing. If that’s the case, you’ll want to ensure that you get the compensation necessary to help you recover, and manage the turmoil an injury can cause in your family’s life. A Kansas City personal injury attorney will be deeply familiar with the intricacies of the law and can help you navigate the defective auto accident process and stand up for yourself.
For more information on how to prevent vehicle malfunctions, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Safer Car website.
