Most of the time car accidents are unexpected. But every once in awhile, you feel your life is in danger. You could be in traffic on a bridge, or in a car with a poor driver. Or maybe you're stuck in a really bad rain storm, and the driver can barely see. Read this article for tips on how to be safe in this kind of a situation.

[edit] Steps

Avoid the situation. You don't have to know any of this if you are a good and safe driver. However, if you a driver who gets his/her car, him/herself, and other passengers in a dangerous situation where a car accident is possible, don't feel too guilty. Even the best driver in the world has an accident now and then.
Don't look at the accident, look at the escape route Studies have proven that we drive where we're looking. If someone pulls out in front of you, look behind their car. You will instinctively steer and head towards that point.
Get the information. What's happening? Why are you in danger? Where are you? Ask either the driver or another passenger, or if you already know, make sure you keep the information handy within your brain.
Use car safety objects. These are basically your seat belts and air bags. Before you even buy a car, you should know where the air bags are. Older cars usually have air bags in the front seats, while newer models have airs bags in every spot of the car. Always put your seat belt on. If you are part of a family where you don't practice seat belt use, make sure you put your seat belt on in a dangerous situation. Whatever your reasons are for not using one (too uncomfortable, not fashionable, unneeded) it's always better than to be injured or dead, or to have another passenger injured or dead.
Place objects in a safe place. If you have books in your car, place them on the floor. If you put them on a seat, they could fly up or foward in an accident, hitting, and therefore injuring, someone. Small objects such as small car games for kids or craft objects (stamps, glue sticks, ect.) should be placed under the front seat. This will prevent them from, like books, flying up and hitting someone. Heavy items in the boot (trunk) should be tethered or tied down, particularly if you have folding rear seats. A 70kg load will move forward with a force of nearly 2000N in a 30mph collision - easily enough to come through a rear seat.

[edit] Tips

Don't be afraid to ask questions. Whether of the driver or other passengers, uncertainty can be the most fearful thing of all. A better informed person is a calmer person.
If you are in the car with children, and they are old enough the understand what is going on, and they are frightened, do your best to calm them down. As well as keeping them less afraid, you will find that you have calmed yourself down.
Try "Square Breathing". Inhale for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 4 seconds, and exhale for 4 seconds. Repeat until you feel the tension draining away.

[edit] Warnings

If you are extremely frightened, pull out your cell phone and dial 9-1-1 or 9-9-9, depending on your region. Then all you have to do if an accident occurs is push 'Send' and you've called the police. However, only if you feel your life or someone else's is in danger should you do this. Most of the time, it will just get you worked up and even more afraid than you already are.