How Can You Remain Safe While Helping Another Driver?

woman helping someone in accident

When we see a bad car accident with flashing lights and fire trucks it’s in our nature to stare. But when no ambulances, police, paramedics, or the like have arrived yet, many of us have the instinct to stop and help. Unfortunately, in doing so many good Samaritans are hit by a car and seriously injured or killed while trying to help an injured driver. So how can you protect yourself while helping someone else? Here are 3 tips for staying safe while helping another driver. 

1. Approach the vehicle from the passenger’s side. 

When you are attempting to help another injured driver, always approach the vehicle from the passenger’s side (assuming that the car is on the right shoulder of the road). This is because if you were to approach the vehicle from the driver’s side it’s much likelier that you could be hit by another driver who didn’t see you with enough time to avoid you. For this reason, it’s also best to avoid parking on a hill or a sharp curve; other cars often won’t see you until it’s too late. 

2. Dress in the appropriate protective gear.

The last thing that you want to happen when you are trying to help someone else is to also injure yourself. You don’t want to make a bad situation worse. This is why it’s so important that you always dress in the appropriate protective gear, such as warm outerwear in colder weather and shoes with enough traction if it’s snowing or raining. It’s also a good idea to keep a glow-in-the-dark vest or something similar in your glove compartment so that you can make yourself more visible early in the morning or during the night. 

3. Leave a good amount of space between your car and the other vehicle. 

When a vehicle has been damaged, there is no telling how it could respond. That’s why it’s so important that you leave a good amount of space between your car and the damaged vehicle. If the car rolls backward, catches fire, or does anything else unexpectedly you won’t be in a compromised position. 

MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those in NM Who Have Been Injured in a Car or Pedestrian Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car or pedestrian accident, it can greatly impact your life. It can be difficult enough dealing with your substantial injuries, but it can be even harder when you are left to pick up the pieces financially. You should never have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes. 

Posted in: Automobile Accidents