Small cars cost less, have better fuel economy, and are much easier to operate than big cars. But are they really safe? Recent studies revealed that 65% of fatalities were people in smaller cars. This has caused some skepticism over the overall safety of small cars.
Keep reading to learn some of the most notable safety risks in small cars. We’ll also give some safety tips for drivers with small cars, and helpful advice on dealing with a small car accident.
Why Are Small Cars Not Safe?
One of the biggest safety issues of small cars is simply the fact that they’re small and, therefore, run the risk of being damaged when they collide with larger vehicles. While manufacturers have continuously improved safety features in small cars, there’s little they can do to mitigate the laws of physics. Therefore, the fact remains that you’re more likely to get seriously injured in a car accident when riding in a smaller car.
Safety Tips for Drivers of Small Cars
When a large vehicle collides with a smaller one, the smaller vehicle almost always incurs the most damage. However, since small cars are more maneuverable, it’s also easier to avoid road accidents. If you’re a small car driver, here are some helpful tips to keep you safe on the road.
Use the Car’s Safety Features
Most modern cars have advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring, cruise control, and lane assist. While most of these features may not protect you in the event of a car crash, using them appropriately can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.
Follow the Speed Limit
Speeding was a contributing factor in 29% of traffic fatalities in 2022. Even the most advanced safety features aren’t as reliable as your reaction, especially when you have to turn or break quickly. Speeding reduces your reaction time, so driving slower could give you more time to consider your options and react accordingly, reducing the risk of serious injuries.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accident deaths. It can include anything from texting and talking on the phone to reaching for something in the car. Therefore, it is always advisable to concentrate on the act of driving and nothing else. This way, you’ll be better able to spot any dangers and take proactive measures to avoid accidents.
Keep a Safe Following Distance
The faster you’re going, the more distance you’ll need to stop. While you can’t control the actions of the driver behind you, you can put a safe distance with the vehicle in front of you. A good way to do this is by following the three-second rule.
The three-second rule involves counting the number of seconds it takes to pass a fixed marker like a traffic sign. Essentially, you should have at least three seconds to reach the fixed marker after the vehicle ahead of you passes it. You could also consider adding a few more seconds when driving on wet roads.
What to Do After a Small Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident, especially with a larger vehicle, can be a nerve-wracking experience for a small car driver. Therefore, you should learn what steps to take immediately after the accident. Here’s what to do.
Remain Calm
Staying calm is proven to improve decision-making tremendously. Keeping a cool head allows you to make better choices since you have more clarity on the situation and the choices at hand. This can make it easier to deal with the accident and its aftermath.
Check for Injuries
Do you or anyone else in the vehicle have visible injuries? If so, you should call 911 or ask someone else to do it if you’re seriously injured. The same also applies to the people in the other cars and any passers-by who may have gotten hit.
Get Your Vehicle Out of the Road
Moving your vehicle immediately after the accident can make it harder to prove fault, but leaving it on the road could have more drastic consequences. There’s always the danger of getting hit by oncoming traffic. If, by any chance, the accident happens at night or you cannot move the vehicle, you should turn on your hazard lights so other vehicles can see you.
Check the Damage on Both Vehicles
If you weren’t severely injured and can assess the damage, you should take time to do that. While you’re at it, try taking as many pictures as you can. You can also include a video or diagram showing how the accident occurred.
Report the Accident to Law Enforcement
While you’re not necessarily required by law to report every accident to the police, it’s usually beneficial to do so. Police officers can create a report of the accident, which can come in handy later on when proving fault.
Exchange Information
State laws have different approaches to the kind of information you should request from the other driver. However, at a minimum, you should be able to exchange names and insurance information. You should also take this chance to take down the details of anyone who may have witnessed the accident. Also, note the name, badge number, and phone number of any law enforcement officer who responded to the accident.
File an Insurance Claim
Motor vehicle repairs and replacements can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the model. Fortunately, you can always get compensated. However, the claims process can be pretty daunting. That’s why it’s always advisable to hire an experienced personal injury attorney.
Your attorney can help you determine appropriate damages, negotiate with the insurance company for a more favorable settlement, or represent you in court if the need arises.
Improve Your Safety on the Road
Although small cars are generally considered less safe than other vehicles, that doesn’t make them inherently dangerous. There are measures you can take to improve your safety on the road. However, if an accident does happen, you should consider hiring a personal injury attorney to help you negotiate a fair settlement.
