Airbags are one of the things that can reassure our safety when accidents occur. They stand within the wheel and the plastic compartment in front of the passenger. That way, they are ready to activate on extreme occasions.
Moreover, the moment the airbags activate can be a rather unpleasant experience. Chances are you’ve never had the opportunity to test them out, so all the steps you need to take afterward can be confusing.
Therefore, it’s always better to come prepared if you ever find yourself in any sort of car crash which may include airbag activation. That’s why we’ve decided to make a guide for the process you’d potentially have to go through if the airbags ever deploy.
Turn off your engine
If you ever get in a car crash, there are several steps to follow. One of the first things you should do is turn off your engine if you’re capable. If you’re the driver, you shouldn’t have any difficulties doing so, as the keyhole is close to your hands.
Turning off your engine after a car crash is necessary because it can prevent further problems due to the damage your car went through. Also, if your car engine stops working, it will be easier for you to determine the damage and injuries. It’s best to take your time and go over every detail carefully – you will be distressed, so don’t try to rush anything.
On the other hand, many cars have a built-in system that allows your car system to turn off the engine itself right after the airbags activate. If the engine doesn’t stop working, feel free to turn it off yourself.
Check for possible injuries
This step is crucial as it could save the lives of your passengers. Communicate with people inside your vehicle and ask them if they need any help getting out of the car. Help the children first and check other passengers along the way.
Before you help others, check yourself for injuries. Try to move your arms and legs and see whether you feel pain in any parts of your body. If you feel fine, you can continue helping out other passengers in your car.
However, some injuries require professional medical help. In cases of broken limbs, internal bleeding, or unconsciousness, it’s best to call the ambulance as soon as possible and wait for help to arrive at your location.
Use a first aid kid if needed
If your passenger’s injuries aren’t severe, you can always use your first aid kit. You can find various helpful tools inside your first aid kit like bandages, gauze, CPR masks, iodine, tinctures, medical tapes, tourniquet, etc.
Depending on the injuries, you can use your first aid kit to help yourself and your passengers. If needed, now’s a good time to remember your first aid class and perform CPR on passengers who are unconscious or have trouble breathing.
Unfortunately, some injuries can be too severe that you alone can’t remediate. That’s why you must wait for the ambulance to arrive and do your best to relieve passengers of possible pain.
Wait for the help to arrive
After you’ve contacted the ambulance, the only thing you can do is wait. However, there are some things you can do in the meantime to help other passengers and estimate the material damage your vehicle went through.
If some passengers appear to have broken bones, it’s important not to move them as you can create further problems. Also, if someone seems to have trouble breathing or is unconscious, try moving them to the side to avoid suffocation.
On the other hand, if the medical help doesn’t seem to arrive, don’t hesitate to call them again and point out the level of emergency regarding your passenger’s injuries.
Make the essential phone calls
The final step in a post-car-crash process is to call the police to file a report, especially if someone else participated in the car crash. Accessing the damage and calling your insurance company or attorney for personal injury claims is one of the essential steps to follow after airbags deploy.
While you wait for the police to arrive, make sure you have a good look over your vehicle and try to understand how you got in that situation in the first place.
Don’t hesitate to give your insurance company a call, as they can guide you through the process of fixing the damage to your car. You can also take pictures of the damage as it can help you throughout the repair process, especially if your case ever gets to court.
Conclusion
Experiencing any type of car crash can be a stressful experience. While some people are naturally emotionally stable and capable of going through the process afterward, others have difficulties staying calm.
That’s why you should always come prepared, as anything can happen. Maintaining a calm environment among your passengers is the best thing you can do in the meantime.
Although the post-car-crash process may seem complicated, you must go through it the best way possible. However, you should do your best to avoid getting in that situation in the first place. Therefore, don’t rush, and drive safely!