Rear-end collisions are the most common ones. This one is the type of accident where one vehicle strikes at the back of another one. Rear-end collision injuries are not always fatal. But it may bring a wide range of damage and injury. Sometimes, only help from an accident lawyer is not enough, also needs some awareness.
So the question arises, how to avoid a rear-end collision? If you know what causes a car accident in the first place, there is a high probability that you can prevent one.
Yet, in this writing, we’ve tried to show some ways for your convenience. Let’s know.
Everyone wants to avoid car collisions by any means. A car accident can bring trauma, stress, and a good sum of money to repair the vehicle. Most people think that rear-end collisions are unavoidable; the driver has no control over them. This is not the case here.
The common causes of rear-end collisions are a distraction while driving and speeding up. In this article, we will educate you on how to avoid a rear-end collision. We know that some accidents are unavoidable, but knowing the actual causes can eliminate the chances of getting into one.
What Causes Rear-End Collisions?
A number of risky driving habits and other variables can contribute to a rear-end car accident, including:
- Tailgating: Tailgating occurs when one driver follows another vehicle too closely. This significantly reduces a person’s reaction time, and they may be unable to avoid a collision if the automobile they are following slows or stops abruptly.
- Distracted driving: Anything that diverts a driver’s attention away from the road can result in an inability to stop in time to avoid rear-ending another vehicle. Cell phone use, adjusting the radio, and eating or drinking are the most typical types of distractions.
- Failure to respect traffic laws: Speeding is a common concern associated with rear-end collisions. If a driver exceeds the speed limit, they may not be able to stop in time to prevent colliding with another vehicle.
- Poor weather conditions: If there is a significant amount of rain or snow falling, or if there is snow or ice on the road, a driver may be unable to stop on time. A driver may lose control of a sliding vehicle, forcing it to collide with another vehicle at high speed.
- Car Defects: The most prevalent form of car maintenance problem that might lead to a rear-end collision is a problem with the brakes. A defective brake system may prevent a driver from slowing down and stopping in time.
- Driver error: A driver may make mistakes that cause them to collide with another car from behind in rare instances. The sight of an unrelated car accident, for example, may lead a person to panic and lose control of their vehicle. Similarly, a driver’s foot could slip, causing them to press the gas pedal instead of the brakes.
Always Run a Regular Check-up Before Going to the Road
Properly inspecting the vehicle can lessen the chances of accidents. Here are some of the crucial things you should check before moving your car on the highway.
- Check whether the brakes are okay
- Check the brake lights
- Ensure the turn signals are working correctly
- Make sure view mirrors are appropriately adjusted
- Assure the tires have enough tread depth
- Test all the lights are working properly
- Check the windshield and windows if they are clean from both the inside and outside
Although the most causes of accidents are human errors, inspecting the car will eliminate the chances of any instrumental failure.
Here’s more.
How to Avoid a Rear-End Collision?
There is no alternative to attentive driving. Although your vehicle systems are working fine, there is always room for the driver’s fault. Knowing the causes and practicing safe driving can keep yourself and others safe on the road.
Follow the below rules to avoid any unnecessary accidents.
Obey the Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are there to keep you safe. Always try to obey them while driving on the road. Respect the speed limits and other traffic signs you see.
Keep ample space in between your car and others in front and back. Do not drive aggressively – it will give less response time if something goes wrong. The overtaking tendency is always bad.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions can be fatal while driving on the road. Accidents occur in a fraction of time. So any distraction for a few seconds can bring significant injury to you and damage to your vehicle.
Set your playlist before you go on the road trip. Put your phone away and keep your eyes on the road. If there is urgency, like picking up a call, pull over to the roadside to deal with the matter.
Remember, the human brain can focus on only one task at a time. So distraction can be hazardous on the road.
Drive Sober
You should not be in the driver’s seat if you have taken any mind-altering substances like alcohol, cannabis, or other things. These substances significantly impair your ability to judge. Stay off the road until you are sober enough to drive.
Driving after having drugs is not an act of heroism; it is foolishness. Your overconfidence can lead you to death.
Be Safe in the Adverse Weather Conditions
If the weather does not look good, check the forecast for any prediction of adverse weather conditions. When you are informed, the brain will take the mental preparation to face the situation.
Ensure that you are alert while driving in these circumstances. And if you don’t feel confident enough to drive during adverse weather, wait it out until the situation gets to normal.
Check the Rear-view Mirrors to Avoid Getting Rear-ended
The driver should check the rear-view mirrors frequently to see what is directly behind them. It will help to avoid being rear-ended while decreasing the speed and making a turn.
When you check the car behind, you can keep a safe distance. Being aware of the surrounding will keep you safe on the road.
Check the Weather Forecast
It is usually a good idea to check the weather conditions before going out. It’s similar to being told what would happen if you step outside.
As a result, you can take the essential actions and also have time to mentally prepare yourself. However, if you do not feel safe enough to drive in inclement weather, it is best to avoid going outside on these days.
Keep Calm and Drive on
If someone cuts you off or shows off some aggressive driving skill, you should better keep calm. It will be best to let go of the situation. Otherwise, it may lead you to a severe accident. Being angry hampers your decision-making ability. So take a deep breath, keep calm and move on.
Never Drive in an Intoxicated State
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol has a direct impact on your brain. And you’ll soon discover that you’re not in the correct frame of mind.
So, if you’ve taken this type of chemical for whatever reason, don’t even think about driving. Instead, take an Uber or taxi, or stay with a friend or relative until you are sober enough to stand on your own.
Prioritize Visibility
It is vital to make sure that you can see and be seen by others on the road. To keep your view clearer, keep a moderate distance between your vehicle and others.
If you can not see much, moving further back will enable you to see more roads. When you are too close to a vehicle, it will block a major portion of the road from your vision and increase the chances of rear-ended accidents.
Make sure all the lights are running well if you are in bad weather conditions. It will help the other drivers to discover your car on the road in adverse weather.
Final Verdict
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the percentage of getting rear-ended is around 23-30% among all crashes. No one desires to be a victim of a car crash. Car accident injuries are painful and sometimes can be a burden to your life. Precautions can keep you and other driving on the road safe. We must drive safely on the streets.
After all, be alert and drive safe on the road. Be safe and keep others safe by following safety precautions. Awareness is the best thing to avoid road accidents. Hopefully, now you know how to avoid a rear-end collision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you avoid getting rear-ended?
Yes, if you keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other ones on the road, you can avoid a rear-end collision. Unpredictable situations may come for the fault of other drivers. But being cautious from your side is the first priority.
What are the odds of getting rear-ended?
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the percentage of getting rear-ended is around 23-30% among all crashes.
How do you avoid a rear-end collision from being cut off you should?
If some driver cuts you off on the road, you should keep calm and move on from any angry situation. Speeding up will give you a shorter response time in any dangerous situation.
