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How to Avoid Rear-End Collisions
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, rear end collisions are the third most frequent accident on U.S. roads. Learn more about how you can avoid causing (or being hit) in such accidents.
August 20, 2011 /Government PR News/ -- According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, rear end collisions are the third most frequent accident on U.S. roads. A car is rear-ended every 8 seconds, and such collisions comprise nearly a third of all motor vehicle accidents every year. While damage may seem minor, not only is the cost of repairing bumpers very costly but studies have shown that occupants can and have been severely injured in what would appear to be a fender bender. Rear end accidents cost Americans $164 billion every year.
You can best avoid being hit from behind by paying attention to what's going on around you as your chances of having an accident increase when you are required to suddenly stop. Be constantly aware of road conditions, such as potholes, speed bumps, objects in the road as well as traffic conditions. When in a neighborhood, be conscious of children playing near the street and/or riding bicycles, tricycles, scooters near the street as they can unexpectedly dart out in front of you. When in areas such as a park or downtown areas, you need to be conscious of people crossing the street, not at a crosswalk and/or vehicles pulling out in front of you. Driving slower under these conditions and flashing your brake lights if you see a condition where you may need to stop suddenly is also helpful. Other drivers will see that you are slowing down and act accordingly. Also, keeping your brake lights free of debris, such as dried mud or snow, will help other drivers know when you are stopping.
Drivers who tailgate frequently and persons using a cell phone behind you cause accidents. You should stay away from them. If a driver insists on following too closely, safely change lanes and let the other driver pass. Staying out of blind spots is also helpful. If a vehicle swerves into your lane, a sudden stop exposes you to the possibility of a collision.
To avoid rear-ending other cars, pay attention to things that could make drivers in front of you stop. Whatever problem is up ahead will be your issue very quickly. Also, avoid following other vehicles too closely, even in free flowing traffic. The faster you are going, the shorter the distance you will have to stop.
In icy or wet conditions, be wary of your ability to swerve to the right to avoid an accident. You may not be able to stop at all on an icy road, but sliding into another lane could help you avoid a rear-collision. Never swerve to the left unless there is a retaining wall, empty lane, or ditch to help you avoid oncoming traffic. A head-on collision could be fatal. In icy or wet conditions it is advisable to substantially reduce your speed and increase significantly the distance you keep from the vehicle in front of you to allow extra stopping time and distance under these conditions.
With all the elements involved in a rear-end collision, fault is not always determined easily. Therefore it is important to speak with an experienced attorney before admitting to anything or accepting a settlement offer.
Article provided by Kerry H. Collins & Associates, PC
Visit us at www.kerrycollinslaw.com
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