Driving with pets means there are safety issues both for the pets and the drivers.

If there is an accident and the pets are not secured they can easily be injured as they are thrown around the car. In addition, they can escape and often owners of pets are distraught if their animal disappears in an area they do not know, hundreds of miles from home. So you owe it to your pet to ensure they are well secured or kept in a carrier which is secured inside the vehicle.

An unsecured pet can also cause injury to the driver or passengers who could be struck by an unrestrained animal in the event of an accident which can lead to injury.

Even if there is no accident, a pet which is loose in a vehicle can cause the driver to become distracted and that can also lead to an accident. They can also block the driver’s vision from the side or rear mirrors. Distraction is especially prevalent if the animal is in the front seat of the vehicle and that should never be allowed. Not only due to the danger of distraction, but also because they can be seriously injured by the air bag if it inflates in the event of a collision, in the same way that young children can be.

If you or someone you love has been have been seriously injured in an accident in North Carolina, please call the Concord accident attorneys of the McIntosh Law Firm at (704) 892-1699 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about you rights and how we can help.

Many people are nervous about hill starts when using an automatic car however it is really quite simple.

On a small incline an automatic car will not roll backwards, but if it is a little steeper this is the only time you should use two feet on the pedals with an automatic vehicle. After you have stopped on the hill, move your left foot onto the brake pedal. Then, move your right foot onto the gas and gently apply pressure. Slowly ease off the brake while applying a bit more gas and pull away. Never use two feet on the pedals in other circumstances as it can lead to confusion, panic and an accident.

Another option, rather than using two feet on the pedals is to use the emergency brake. Stop on the hill, and then put the emergency brake on. Then take your foot off the brake pedal and move it to the gas pedal. Slowly apply the gas and at the same time release the emergency brake gently.

Remember do not be so involved in moving forward that you forget the normal safety measures such as checking the mirror for vehicles behind and looking carefully to both sides.

If you or someone you love has been have been seriously injured in an accident in North Carolina, please call the Concord accident attorneys of the McIntosh Law Firm at (704) 892-1699 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about you rights and how we can help.

Quite simply wearing a seat belt can save your life and reduce the risk of serious injury. It is estimated that more than 15,000 lives a year are saved in the United States because drivers and passengers were wearing seat belts. People thrown from a vehicle are four times more likely to be killed than those that remain inside the vehicle.

Lap and shoulder seat belts are created to spread the force of any impact over a wide area of the body thus reducing the stress on any one area. They are designed to have contact with your body at the strongest parts and for adults and older children this is the hips and shoulders. In the event of a crash the shoulder part of the seat belt will help to keep your head and upper body away from all the hard parts of the vehicle, such as the dashboard and steering wheel. Children, however, need specialized protection, depending upon their age, and should always travel in a child safety seat or booster seat until they are old enough and tall enough to use the normal car seat belts.

Making sure you are wearing your seat belt correctly is critical to your protection. The lap strap should fit snugly over your hips and upper thigh area and not ride up on your stomach, which could cause serious injuries in the event on an accident. The shoulder belt should rest snugly across your chest and shoulders and between the breasts. Never place the strap under your arm, behind your back, or let the strap fall across your neck and face.

If you or someone you love has been have been seriously injured in an accident in North Carolina, please call the Concord accident attorneys of the McIntosh Law Firm at (704) 892-1699 or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about you rights and how we can help.