One and Co

One and Co

Archives for February 2020

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Top Eco-friendly Moving Tips

Protecting the environment is one of the significant world concerns today. To protect the earth from the continued pollution and emissions, most entities are looking for eco-friendly operations. The moving sector is also embracing the eco-friendly methods of life and has several ways to ensure you protect the environment in the moving process.

Here are some of the top tips to help you ensure eco-friendly moving:

Decluttering the Right Way

While the moving period provides an ideal time for decluttering, be wary of what you throw away. The main concern when moving is to stay as light as possible as less weight comes with fewer charges. For the sake of the environment, consider keeping some of the useful products that you will in your next address. If you don’t have the use of the item, instead of throwing, donate to organizations and other individuals to utilize better.

If neither option works best for you, cash in on your items. Sell the ones that are still in the right conditions and are useful to others.

Recycle

Recycling is one of the most common words when it comes to environmental friendliness. Make it part of your moving process by using preowned packing boxes. Use the boxes that you already own. If they are not enough, ask from local stores for free boxes and other online sites that offer the free boxes. Any right box can serve for up to 7 moves.

The other option is to consider plastic bins made from recycled materials. They not only save the environment but also provide for limitless use.

Hire Eco-friendly Moving Companies

If you are after an eco-friendly relocation, the moving company must also embrace the green movement. Hire a commercial moving company in Florida that invests in environmentally friendly processes.

Look for a moving company that uses bio-diesel for their moving trucks. They should also ensure fuel efficiency by purchasing fuel-economical vehicles and use GPS tracking in determining the fastest routes. The moving company must use eco-friendly packing boxes and embrace recycling.

Use Fewer Back and Forth Trips

Moving is hectic, and you should look for ways to make it as quick and straightforward as possible. You don’t get to save your time and money only, but also the environment. Whenever you are packing, use every space to accommodate maximum items. Consider a professional packing service if you don’t have the skills. Reducing trips helps avoid more emissions from moving trucks and other environmental hazards.

Stay Eco-friendly in the New Location

It is a disservice to go the extra mile of green moving, only to relocate to an environmentally hazardous new environment. Uphold the environmental consciousness in your new place by keeping some packages for recycling. Install energy-efficient light fixtures and clean using eco-friendly cleaning supplies.

Bottom Line

Are you an environmental conscious looking to move the green way? You don’t have to worry; several eco-friendly moving companies are coming up with solutions for safer movements. Energy-efficient moving vehicles and reusable packing bins are almost becoming mainstream. Importantly, make the green movement your lifestyle.

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What you need to consider when buying beard growth supplement

Not everyone is blessed with rare genes that promote healthy beard growth. On most occasions, you’ll find that the unfortunate group that cannot grow a beard without struggle often look up to celebrities with charming beards. Well, that is a thing of the past, and you can as well as get a beard growth supplement to fuel your beard growth like other men. The results will be wonderful that you will end up falling in love with the person that you’ll become.

Now, the challenge comes when you want to source for the best supplements that will not only grow your beard but will also favor you in terms of budget and usability. So, how do you go about this? The following factors will help when you put them into consideration:

  • Price

When buying anything, be it services, the first thing that a consumer takes into account is the pricing. Although prices may be relative from one brand to another or depending on quality, you should still get a supplement that doesn’t strain you very much to cop one. Remember, you may need to use your supplements continually for better results, and that may be impossible if you went for over-priced products. In other words, you should only pay for what seems to give you the run for your money, not just to mint it with no return gains!

  • Brand

As for the brand, that option can be aesthetic because most people are loyal to specific beauty brands. However, if you haven’t pledged loyalty yet to any brand, then it would be best if you purchased from a superior brand with a preceding reputation. For instance, you can check on the customer reviews and feedback to see how the product has been doing. Customers often have nothing to lose, and their honest opinions will direct you to the right brand.

  • Ingredients

You may also need to consider the ingredients that make up the supplement. Are they beneficial to fuel that full beard growth? For instance, do the capsules contain ingredients that boost the keratin to promote stronger beard growth? How about zinc minerals? You can do research over the internet to establish the key ingredients to watch out for.

  • Product safety

Another important thing is the product’s safety. Whatever may be safe for another individual may not be safe for you, especially if you are highly allergic to foreign substances. It is important that you also check on the allergy information.

  • Ease of use

Finally, beard growth supplements come in different options, and you should, therefore, consider the most convenient supplement to use in this case. For instance, capsules will be more convenient as they don’t leave any foul smell or doesn’t contain any scent that will interfere with your cologne or deodorant. It will be a shame if you walk around in different funny smells. In addition to that, capsules are easy to carry around, especially when traveling without anyone knowing. Well, some people just like discretion in the beauty products that they use, and they’d appreciate it if it remains a top-secret even to their spouses. So, there, you have it, capsules have you covered.

 

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How Can Technology Improve Business Loans?

If we compare how we live our lives a couple of decades back or how our elders use to live, we can easily spot the difference in technology around them and us. In the early 2000s, we do not have access to the internet everywhere. We did not have any mobile phones which can support us in office work and so on. Technology has changed every aspect of our lives, and it will keep on changing.

Talking about the change in our lives, it is worth mentioning how businesses have changed over time. Many companies were nonexistent in the 2000s that are currently working around us like fintech (Financial Technology). These are the companies that use technological advancements to help companies and individuals to manage and transact money. Whenever we talk about business and money, this always leads to loans.

Monitor, Binary, Binary System, Computer, Binary Code

Fintech gave birth to an online business loan. But this is just one aspect of fintech. Technology has influenced the loan industry and has drastically changed the dynamics of it. So, how does technology changed or improves business loans? Let us see it in detail.

Impact of technology:

When we talk about business loans in the 21st century, we cannot ignore technology and the role it plays. Technology has improved many things like our connectivity with our loved ones to our cab booking process. So it must have also impacted the loan industry as well and improved the process for a business to obtain a loan. Here are some improvements which technology has brought in business loans:

Building a bridge between a lender and a borrower:

Imagine yourself as a business owner who needs to finance his business because you are $10,000/- down. This is making you worried, but you do not have enough time looking for which bank is giving loans and at which rate, and either your bank is good against the other one just across the street. Also, when you select a bank, now you have to go to the bank, sit in front of a banker to fill out the application. Submit the application and all the relevant papers for which you have been working for a week. Resubmit a paper if it is not correct or if something is missing, and you do not know whether the bank will approve your loan or not.

This is not an old story of the 19th century. It used to happen just a few years ago. But with the help of technology, a borrower is aware which bank, or financial institution is offering which type of loan and at which markup rate. Also, the lenders do not have to put billboards or newspaper ads or Television commercials and so many old school methods. They have to upload the update on their website, and this can do the job for them. There are also some websites where a borrower can compare the loan terms and markup rates side by side to make an informed decision. So in this way, technology has bridged a borrower with the perfect lender he is looking for.

Credit score or Creditworthiness evaluation process:

As a lender, you want to be sure that you will receive your money back. For this, what will you do? You are not going to give your money to everyone who asks for it. This is why there is a standard which a borrower has to meet to get the loan. The standards were set so ruggedly and hard that most of the borrowers find it impossible to get their loan application approved. But technology has made it easier.

Before the advent of technology like the internet, lenders do not have all the information regarding the borrowers; hence they use to have their metrics like personal credit score or collateral, etc. However, with the help of technology, a lender can evaluate very minute information like transaction flow analysis and much more. This creates a whole new matrix of evaluation and understanding the borrower for safer lending.

Easy loan application:

Imagine yourself going to decide to apply for a loan. You have decided which bank you are going to choose from. But the only problem is the application process. To apply for a loan, you have to work for a week so that you can collect, print, attest, and some other work to sit on the table of the lending bank and start filling the application form. But you still be uncertain whether you will qualify for the loan or not.

Now again, imagine yourself going to apply for a loan. You have compared all the banks and have come to the agreement that this is the bank from which you are going to get the loan. But you again are uncertain whether you will qualify or not. However, this time you are going to apply online and see if your loan application will go for scrutiny or not. You do not have to go to the bank this time, just by sitting anywhere where you have an internet connection and a laptop or a smartphone. You fill out the form and submit it. Instantly, you will receive the email if your application is accepted or not. How does that sound? Easy right? This is what technology has made it for a borrower and a lender. A borrower does not have to wait for weeks to see if his application is accepted and also work day and night for the paperwork. Also, on the other hand, a lender does have to look at every application. Computers do it for them, and only those applications which fall under the set criteria get through to the table of the lender.

High loan approval rate:

This one is connected with the improvement above. When you, as a lender, do not have to go through all those applications which do not fall upon your criteria, your efforts will be focused on only those applications which can be given a loan. Hence you can now focus on serving them better by offering some relaxed or, in other words, personalized and customized offers that will benefit you.

Also, the other side is for the borrower. A borrower will get to know quickly whether he can get the loan from you or not. This helps the borrower focus on finding the lender who can help him. You will not have to waste your precious time upon a bank that will not go to give you a loan after you have put in work for a week or so. Hence if your initial loan application is accepted, then there will be a high probability that you will get the loan.

Loan payment tracking system:

When you have borrowed the money, it is hard to keep track of your loan payments and to pay on a specific date. It happens that sometimes you are so messed up with a new project that you forgot to pay the due money back to the lender. This might result in asset recall from the lender or some penalties, which I know you do not want to give. So technology helps you keep track of them. This tracking system can be automated, as well. It can make payments upon your behalf upon your per set date and time. Also, it can notify you that you have to make the payment today.

THE BOTTOM LINE OF THE DISCUSSION

It can be said that technology has improved our everyday life. The way we interact with each other and the way we work. Technology has also impacted the way we transact money, and this change applies to the way we use to borrow or lend money. With technology, it is easy to get a loan now because the lender and the borrower are more informed. However, whenever you are into taking a loan, you have to be cautious because if you can take a loan, it does not mean that you should take a loan.

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What’s All The Hype About the Mercedes Benz Smart EQ Range?

Mercedes Benz cars are known for luxury, the ergonomic flow of design, and unique style. The innovation of Mercedes has kept the brand globally relevant over the decades, evolving with the times and creating vehicle designs that cater to the unique needs of the users.

The Smart EQ sub-range is one of such initiatives by Mercedes. The Mercedes brand is not new to the electric car micro-market, having churned out electric car versions of several car models starting with the debut of the Mercedes LE 306 van in March 1972, which became a flagship vehicle the 1972 Olympics! The introduction of the Smart EQ range by Mercedes is an excellent move towards contributing less to the degradation of the environment by focusing solely on zero-emissions vehicle production.

These Smart EQ ranges are available at Sandown Group; a Mercedes-bend approved smart car dealership that offers competitive prices on the Smart range. With payment options starting as low as £200, anyone can become part of this global phenomenon that effortlessly combines luxury with sustainability.

In case you’re still wondering what all the hype is, then consider these features that have made the Smart EQ range so desirable today:

Appearance

The first word that you’ll think of when you see a Mercedes Smart EQ car is ‘cute’, and that’s a great thing! In addition to a beautiful exterior that will definitely draw eyes wherever you go, the inside is also made with attention to detail – noise insulation, media and entertainment modules and options for personalising the look of your smart car makes this range very attractive.

Environmentally-friendly

In addition to running on clean, electric power, the Smart EQ range encourages ride-sharing, which helps to conserve non-renewable energy and reduces air pollution. Sustainability is one of the strongest arguments for making electric cars mainstream.

Compact

The Smart EQ range is known for compact design, with both four-seater and two-seater models that cater to the different needs of the users. They take up much less space than petrol-powered cars and suit the predominantly small urban parking spaces. The car was made with the crowded roads of big European cities firmly in mind but didn’t sacrifice internal roominess to achieve its compact design.

Designed for safety

The cars look small, which might raise concerns for fragility, but multiple crash tests by Mercedes and independent vehicle enthusiasts have proven that looks are deceiving when it comes to the Smart EQ range. The vehicles are fitted with a Tridion safety cell, which serves as a kind of cage to keep the driver and inhabitants of the car safe in case of impact. Added technology includes the advanced braking system and multiple airbags that show the company had safety high on their priorities with the Smart range.

Savvy car buyers trust Sandown Group for all their Mercedes needs, and for a good reason! Reasonable pricing, quality and reliable after-sale care are just a few of the perks of joining the Sandown family. The future is here, and as Mercedes plans to churn out more electric models of cars, it’s essential to know exactly where to go for both used and new smart cars.

 

 

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Windshield Motor or Switch Problems Explained

You’re driving along and a little rain starts falling, you turn on your windshield wipers, but nothing happens. What should you do? The first thing is to pull over. Driving with non-functioning wipers can be dangerous. That is why you should check them regularly when inspecting your car. The next thing is to troubleshoot and fix the problem.

What Causes This?

There are a few possible culprits that may cause your wipers not to work. The most common are a malfunctioning switch and a seized or burnt motor. Unfortunately, identifying which is the problem can be a problem.

The good news is that you can easily find replacements for both parts using a VIN lookup at your local auto parts store. However, you don’t typically want to just replace things and hope for the best.

Troubleshooting the problem

One of the best ways to figure out which component is the problem is to use the windshield wiper stalk for other uses. Typically, they have more than one function. For example, you likely have multiple settings for the wipers. Try all of them and see if anything happens. Your switch probably also has the controls for your windshield washing fluid. Try activating that.

Some vehicles also have the turn signals integrated with the wiper control, try turning those on. Even if your turn signals are not on the same stalk, try turning them on and off. If they work, it isn’t a definite indicator that the problem isn’t the switch. However, if they don’t work, the problem is most likely with your controls.

You can also check the wiper motor wiring with a multimeter. Unplug the motor and connect your meter to the wiring harness. Check if you are getting a current to the motor when you use the controls.

Replacing both parts can be done without too much technical knowhow. However, the wiper stalk is a somewhat long process due to needing to remove some trim pieces.

Nonetheless, once you know which piece is the problem, fixing it is relatively easy. This is a common theme in automotive maintenance. Troubleshooting is the most challenging part. It is much easier with a multimeter. If you don’t own one, you can find them relatively inexpensively at many auto parts stores. AutoZone also has a loan program for various tools and diagnostic equipment.

Other Wiper Maintenance

Even if your wipers are working fine, you should consider installing windshield wiper replacement blades. This is very easy on most vehicles and will require, at most, a screwdriver. However, on many modern vehicles, you don’t even need tools at all. You can simply unclip them then slide the replacements into place until they snap-in.

Get Started

Whether you are replacing the wiper motor or just the blades, working on your own vehicle is very rewarding. It can also be a lot of fun once you get the hang of it. Don’t forget to make sure you are getting the right windshield wipers size and the correct motor or control stalk. Fortunately, finding the right parts is easy using the lookup tool described above.

 

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Taking CBD Oil

If you’re trying to help control a chronic pain problem, or looking for a way to reduce the impact of light anxiety or depression without recourse to clinical drugs, CBD may be the answer for you. Mostly available in the form of an oil tincture, CBD (cannabidiol) in a compound extracted from the cannabis plant with a growing reputation for boosting your sense of wellness as well as addressing specific issues like pain, inflammation, insomnia and anxiety, depression and low mood.

Buying CBD

As you may have noticed from the above paragraph, CBD is derived from the cannabis plant, so you might wonder how you can buy it, or if it’s legal. Fortunately, CBD is entirely legal – and free from the psychoactive effects people associate with cannabis.

Following a World Health Organisation report into CBD, which found it wasn’t addictive, and didn’t impair your judgement or perception, it’s become widely and legally available as a health supplement and complimentary medicine. You can it in health food shops and pharmacies as well as from specialist online retailers.

How to Take CBD Oil

Taking CBD oil is very straightforward. You can buy different concentrations of the oil in tincture form, so you can start out with a low dose and opt for stronger doses in future if you find it effective. These tinctures come in a bottle with a dropper, to make it easy to measure out how much you want to take.

The most direct way to take CBD oil is to drop your dose under your tongue. This is known as taking it sublingually. Here, it can be absorbed into the blood stream quickly, whereas if it enters your digestive system there is longer delay while it is processed by your body.

Other Ways to Take CBD

Some people don’t care for the flavour of CBD oil, or are looking for a more discreet way to take a regular dose of the compound. You can drop it into food or drinks – though if you’re adding CBD to your tea, you need to add milk (or a milk-substitute) because CBD is a lipid. As a fat based-molecule, it won’t dissolve in water. You can buy ready made CBD tea either as teabags, or over the counter in increasing numbers of cafes, but using a dropper and oil allows you to truly control the dose.

CBD edibles are also available. These are made by manufacturers using CBD oil, often in the form of gummy sweets or chocolate. They’re easy to work into your lifestyle, and discreet, if that’s a concern for you, but it’s harder to know how much CBD you’re taking in any one dose, and they are slower to take effect on you.

 

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3 Tips For Finding The Perfect Community To Raise Your Family

Raising kids is not an easy task. One thing that can make this easier, however, is choosing the right community in which to live with your family.

Within a family-friendly community, you’ll be able to feel comfortable being out with your children and will always have things to do and people to see who can enhance your life and inspire both you and your little ones. To help you find this place, here are three tips for finding the perfect community to raise your family.

Look For Other Kids

As you’re contemplating moving into a specific house or moving from one area of town to another for the sake of your family, it’s good to know that families are already living there and loving the lives they have together.

To know if this is taking place, Victoria Georgoff, a contributor to Care.com, recommends that you look for kids who are outside playing when you drive around a new neighborhood you’re considering moving into. If you see kids outside playing at various times throughout the day, you’ll know that not only are there kids in that area that your own child could play with, but you’ll also learn that their parents feel that the area is safe enough for their little ones to play outside.

Focus On Education

Once your kids are school-aged, they’ll be spending a big portion of their day at school rather than at your home. Because of this, Rebecca Lake, a contributor to The Balance, recommends that you ensure that the community you move into has good schools for your children to attend.

To determine if the schools in a certain area are up to your standards, you can look at school ratings that are posted online, read reviews, or speak to other parents in the area to see what they think of the school you’re considering as opposed to other schools that are in the area. If you’re unimpressed, you might want to consider sending your kids to school in a different community.

Choose Somewhere Safe

Arguably the most important thing about a family-friendly neighborhood is its safety. In an unsafe neighborhood, you can never feel truly confident that you or your children are out of harm’s way.

According to Diane Schmidt, a contributor to The Spruce, one of the best ways to learn if a community is safe for your family is to speak to the local police. They should be able to tell you about crime rates, community safety programs, and other details about the safety of any area in which they work.

If you’re wanting to move your children into a more family-friendly community, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you find one.

 

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Top Ways to Improve Employee Wellbeing

Wellbeing inside and outside the workplace is an essential factor for any employer. It is said that companies lose a significant amount in productivity due to mental health issues. What can you do to ensure your employees are fighting fit and loving their work-life?

Check out some crucial ways that you, as an employer, can promote positive wellbeing at work:

Encourage employee feedback – Employees feel valued and happy when they have a voice. Encouraging regular feedback from staff can open the conversation for other areas that need to be addressed. This feedback can be anonymous too, and systems provided by companies such as Inpulse.com enable you to compile all the information and consider the responses.

Offer support – There are several ways you can foster a better space for employees, and one way to do this is by offering onsite support. If employees know they have a place to go to, they will feel reassured that their thoughts and feelings are being listened to and that any concerns they have are being taken seriously. You could even arrange small mindfulness groups and mediation sessions to improve overall wellbeing and productivity.

Implement staff benefits – A great way to promote a healthy and body and mind is to include a wellbeing benefits package. This could consist of things such a subsided gym membership, travel coupons, cycle to work schemes, and health insurance. By promoting a healthy lifestyle can improve overall wellbeing at work and home.

Praise staff more often – Something as simple as a ‘well done’ or ‘good work’ can have profound effects on wellbeing within the workplace. Employees that feel valued in their work and are appreciated are more likely to work more productively and take fewer sick days. It’s important to recognize personal achievements and company-wide ones too, as these can help boost the morale for everyone in the company.

Offer training – Many people strive to push themselves in their careers. However, if staff feel they are unable to learn more or try something new, they often move onto a different role. Providing both internal and external training is a great way to push employees further and offer them with aspirations for higher positions and promotion. It could be as simple as training an individual on a new system or further study, such as sending them to night school to take a master’s degree. Each can have positive effects on wellbeing and personal enrichment.

Incorporate flexible working – The days of being tied to your desk 9-5 are starting to filter out of the average corporate office in favor of a more flexible schedule. By recognizing that employees can manage their timescales and projects, you open an increased level of trust with your staff. In this environment, employees feel more motivated and valued and are more accepting that there is a level of confidence to ensure this arrangement works well for both parties. Flexible working also helps prevent burnout and can improve employee satisfaction in the workplace.

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3 Tips For Picking A New Primary Care Provider For Your Family

Whether you’ve just moved to a new city, your old doctor has retired, or you’re just ready to transfer your care to someone new, it’s important to know how to pick the right primary care doctor for you and your family. So much of your health will depend on this doctor’s ability to provide you with quality care, so it’s wise to take your time in finding the right fit.

To help you with this, here are three tips for picking a new primary care provider for your family.

Find Someone In Your Network

If you have medical insurance, the most important thing for you to look for when getting a new primary care provider is someone in your insurance network. In many instances, if you don’t see a doctor that’s in your insurance network, Elaine K. Howley, a contributor to U.S. News and World Report, shares that your medical services won’t be covered in the way that they otherwise would be. This could cost you a lot of money in addition to what you’re already paying for insurance.

Along with finding someone in your insurance network, you should also tap into your personal network and ask for their suggestions or referrals to try to find a doctor that’s already been vetted by someone that you trust.

Research The Doctors Standing And Reputation

Once you’ve created a small list of the doctors that you’d consider bringing your family to, you should then do some more in-depth research about those doctors and their reputation and standing with the medical board.

Dr. Brunilda Nazario, a contributor to WebMD.com, shares that you can check through various online resources to see if there have been any complaints or disciplinary actions have been taken against any of these doctors for medical malpractice reasons. If you do find anything on these websites, that should be taken as a red flag.

Do Some Trial Runs For Compatibility

Along with finding a primary care provider that is a responsible medical professional, you should also be concerned with a doctor that fits well with you and your family in your lifestyle and personalities.

To determine this, Joel Keehn, a contributor to Consumer Reports, recommends that you use your first visit with your doctor to really judge things like if the doctor listened to you, if your questions were adequately answered, how comfortable you were with the treatment, and more. Even if it takes seeing a few different doctors to find the one that’s right for your family, it will be well worth it when you’re finally able to find someone that you’re all compatible with.

If you’re needing to find a new doctor for your family, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you pick the right provider.

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3 Ways To Protect Yourself From Injury Due To A Car Accident

Getting into a car accident is a very scary yet very common occurrence. For minor car accidents, you might be able to escape with little to no injuries. But in many instances, car accidents leave drivers and passengers with at least some kind of injury.

Depending on the type and extent of your car accident, there may be things you can do to mitigate the injuries you sustain. To show you how this can be done, here are three ways to protect yourself from injury due to a car accident.

Wear Your Seatbelt Properly

One of the best ways to always keep yourself protected from harm when in a car is by wearing your seatbelt. However, many people either don’t wear their seatbelt every time they are in the car or wear their seatbelt incorrectly, which won’t protect them as it should.

To show you the right way to wear your seatbelt, Wes Siler, a contributor to Gizmodo.com, reminds us that the shoulder harness should always go over the shoulder, not under the arm. Additionally, the lap belt should be worn low and tight. If you don’t wear your seatbelt in this way, you run the risk of getting even more hurt due to improper use of your safety belt.

Protect Your Most Vital Areas

When in a car accident, there are certain areas of your body that are going to be more vulnerable than others. Because of this, you should try your best to protect these vital areas. According to Daniel Engber, a contributor to Popular Science, it’s much better to break your arm in a car accident than to get a head or neck injury.

One thing you can do to try to protect the most vital areas of your body is to ensure that you’ve packed your car properly. If you leave items loose in your car, they can and will become projectiles in the event of a car accident. These items could easily hit you or your passengers in the head, which is the one area of your body that you want to be sure to protect. So to keep this from happening, make sure you always secure your cargo and keep it low to the floor of your vehicle.

Prepare For Impact

If you see that a car accident is imminent for you, your body will naturally try to brace itself. To make this as effective as possible, Megan Brame, a contributor to WiseBread.com, advises that you try to keep your hands on the steering wheel with your wrists straight and your head pressed back into your headrest.

In these positions, you’ll keep your arms out of the way of your airbag going off and you’ll secure your head so any whiplash will be minimized.

To give yourself the best chance of surviving a car accident, consider using the tips mentioned above to protect yourself when in a car accident.