While people sustain injuries at work or playing sports, the most serious types of injuries involve automobiles. Approximately 2.6 million people are injured in traffic accidents each year in the United States, according to the latest available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And while anyone risks getting injured in an automobile accident, there are some steps you can take to avoid serious injury during a wreck.

Wear A Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt is the most effective way to save your life during a car wreck, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can also help you avoid serious injury by keeping you contained within the vehicle. Otherwise, the force of an accident can catapult you through a windshield or onto the street, where you risk bone and skull fractures. Moreover, you have a better chance of being protected by an airbag when using your seat belt.

Eliminate All Distractions

Set your heat, air conditioner or music before you take off, and make sure you check your mirrors. Invest in a headset if you frequently talk on your cell phone for work or leisure. Never text while driving. Another way to avoid distractions is to focus on your driving and not your conversation in the car.

Adjust Your Seat and Headrest

Make sure you set your seat so you can easily reach the accelerator and brakes, but not too close where you’re crammed in against the steering wheel. If you have passengers behind you, ask them to move over if you have a small car and must move the seat back. Adjust your headrest so it’s no more than an inch behind your head to prevent a whiplash injury. Women tend to allow more room with headrests because of their hairstyles and accessories. Avoid this habit if you’re a female.

Don’t Speed

Never exceed the speed limit when driving. The faster you go, the greater the potential impact. The Office of the State Traffic Administration or comparable legislator sets the speed limits for a reason, even around bends. What they don’t do is designate speeds at night or during storms. Slow down when you drive during inclement weather and pull over if your visibility is hampered.

Know the Rules of the Road

By studying and knowing the rules of the road you can definitely prevent a lot of accidents. The law is there to help keep us safe and keep our roads organized. If we don’t know the laws there is no way that we can follow them to keep us safe. Even if you have been driving for a long time it would be a really good idea to go pick up a driver’s manual and start studying. That way you can make sure that you know what to do in most any situation.

Following these simple but helpful suggestions could help you avoid a wreck or serious injury when driving.