How to Survive a Multi Car Pileup

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Wear your seat belt whenever you are driving.

   You are legally required to do this in many countries, however you should do this even if not legally required to do so.
   
   Also ensure that everyone else in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt.
   
   Even if you are wearing your seat belt, someone else who is not wearing their seat belt could be thrown into you in a collision and cause death or serious injury.
2. 2

   Step 2: Do not lean against the dashboard.

   In a collision, the airbags will inflate.
   
   When airbags inflate, they shoot out so fast that anyone leaning against the dashboard could be thrown backwards and seriously injured or killed. , (The front seat position for child seats is illegal in many places.) Regardless of legality, if possible, rear-facing child seats should always be fitted in the rear of the car. , This is dangerous for the same reasons it is dangerous to lean against the dashboard. , These are extremely dangerous if sent flying in a collision.
   
   If you have heavy objects, place them in the trunk or tie them down securely so that they cannot move if impacted. , There may be further collisions. , Switch off your engine first. , The pileup may have involved a vehicle which is carrying dangerous goods.
   
   You may not be able to tell this just by looking at vehicles, so assume that it is unsafe to light up. , If it is safe to do this, find ways to warn others; for example, using a warning triangle.
   
   This will reduce the likelihood of further collisions.
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   Step 3: Ensure that the airbags are turned on

4. 4

   Step 4: unless there is a rear-facing child seat fitted in the front passenger seat.

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   Step 5: Do not lean against the sides of the car if there are side/curtain airbags.

6. 6

   Step 6: Avoid placing heavy objects on the rear seats or parcel shelf.

7. 7

   Step 7: If a pileup occurs

8. 8

   Step 8: keep your seat belt on at first.

9. 9

   Step 9: Exit the vehicle with caution once you are certain it is unlikely that there will be further collisions.

10. 10

    Step 10: Do not smoke

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    Step 11: and do not allow anyone else to smoke.

12. 12

    Step 12: If possible

13. 13

    Step 13: warn other road users.

Detailed Guide

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