When you take a flight, the cabin crew will instruct you on how to prepare for takeoff, such as putting your seat upright and fastening your seat belt. Then you’ll hear the pilot telling the cabin crew to get ready for take off.
Yet, when you get in a car, there is usually no such preparation. You probably just walk out the door, start the car and set straight off. Many drivers use the first few minutes of their journey to set themselves up for the drive ahead rather than doing it before they release the handbrake.
Adjustments distract you
If you are programming a destination into your GPS, tuning your radio or connecting your phone, then you’ll need to take a hand and part of your concentration off the road.
Setting your seat or steering wheel while moving prevents you from having full control of your vehicle, which could be crucial if something happens in front of you. Adjusting your mirrors after moving may mean you miss seeing a hazard before you get the chance to set them correctly. Failing to secure your seat belt before starting means you won’t be protected if a crash occurs in those early moments. All of these things are best done before you start to move.
Preparing yourself is also wise
Some people use their journey time to continue getting dressed, sort their hair or make up or fuel themselves with food and drink. Others just get in with their head full of thoughts, and may not think about the road until they have been driving for some minutes.
Crashes can occur at any time, but the first few minutes after setting off are some of the most dangerous for the reasons mentioned above. Getting ready for takeoff can reduce the chance of having a collision, but it cannot guarantee it, as you still share the road with others who may not be so cautious. In the case of injury, legal guidance may be crucial to get the compensation you need.