Unfortunately, car accidents are par for the course when it comes to driving. As careful as you might be, as defensively as you might drive, you can never totally account for everyone else on the road being safe or weather going easy on you. Your commute can turn unpredictable and dangerous at any given time and you could find yourself deep in the clutches of a ditch. If this has happened to your or you're afraid of it happening to you, check out Toyota of Orlando's safe driving tips!
4 Safe Driving Steps You Should Take if You Get Stuck in a Ditch
Step 1) Check for Injuries
If you've found yourself in the wrong side of a ditch, make sure to check yourself and your passengers for injuries. It's essential for safe driving to check for injuries after an accident occurs. This way those injured can get medical attention quickly.
Step 2) Turn on Your Hazard Lights
Your hazard lights should only be activated when signaling a breakdown or accident on the road (we're looking at your Orlando drivers who turn them on every time it rains). After crashing into a ditch, make sure to practice safe driving and turn on your hazards as soon as you can. This will alert other drivers that you've been in an accident and will warn emergency service vehicles that you're there.
Step 3) Lighten the Load or Don't
Depending on the nature of the ditch you got stuck in, you might be able to make your way out of it. If the ditch is dry and shallow enough, try lightening your cargo load and accelerate to get out safely. Practice safe driving and check your surroundings before doing this. When accelerating you should make sure to press the pedal gradually instead of flooring it. This can cause you to dig a hole with your tires and get even more stuck.
The opposite goes if you're stuck in a wet or muddy ditch. Keeping more weight on your Orlando Toyota car can actually help you get a better grip on the dirt and mud underneath you. But, you're likely going to need a little extra assistance to get out of your predicament if things are a little wet. Try putting a piece of wood, cat litter, or gravel underneath your driving wheels. This will help your ride get a grip on the ground and help pull or push you out of the ditch.
Step 4) Call Someone
If you've exhausted your safe driving tips and means of getting your Orlando Toyota car out of a ditch, it's time to call the pros. Make sure to call a reliable towing service to come and assist you. After your vehicle has been pulled out of the ditch, we highly recommend taking your ride into a vehicle service center, like at Toyota of Orlando. Our expert auto service techs can inspect your vehicle to determine if it sustained any damage from the accident.
Need More Safe Driving Tips? Reach Out to Toyota of Orlando
If you have questions on safe driving or need post accident assistance, we're here to help! Give Toyota of Orlando a call today at (407) 298 4500 or stop by the dealership at 3575 Vineland Road.
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