7 Tips to Avoid Being Rear-Ended

A rear-end accident.

When driving, you may be under the impression that there’s nothing that you can do about being rear-ended by another driver. However, this isn’t true. While you can’t always prevent accidents from occurring, you can take specific steps to reduce your odds of being hit. Here are 7 tips to avoid being rear-ended

1. Be Aware of What Those Behind You Can’t See

When you’re driving down the road, you may notice that the vehicles in front of you have slowed down for a red light; you may notice that those ahead of you on the highway are merging into one lane due to an accident. While it’s great to look ahead and see what’s going on in order to prepare, it’s equally important that you do what you can so that those behind you can anticipate what is about to happen. This may mean applying your brakes slowly and with plenty of road to stop. 

2. Gently Apply Your Brakes for Red Lights and Stop Signs

In much the same vein, it’s extremely important that you come to red lights and stop signs slowly. If you end up slamming on the brakes, those behind you may not have enough time to react. However, if you gently apply your brakes, you can give those behind you the time to slow down to a stop as well. 

3. Always Use Your Signals

Good communication isn’t just important for strong relationships – it’s also important for avoiding a collision. Your vehicle comes equipped with a number of signals designed to help communicate with drivers around you. Your signals allow others to anticipate the next move you’re about to make so that they can react accordingly. 

4. Regularly Check Your Lights

Whether it’s your turn signals, your headlights, or your brake lights, the lights in parts of your car can be extremely important when it comes to keeping yourself and others around you safe. You can’t use your signals if the bulbs are burnt out or simply not working. To ensure that your lights are working, it’s important that you regularly check them and also take your vehicle in for regular maintenance. 

5. Avoid Getting “Boxed In” 

When you come across an unexpected obstruction in the middle of the road, you have two options: You can either drive around the object or you can slam on your brakes. However, if you decide to slam on your brakes there’s a good chance that the car behind you will slam on theirs but not before it’s too late and they rear-end you. 

This is why it’s better that you leave yourself with the necessary space to maneuver your vehicle around the object. But to do so must not be boxed in by having vehicles on all sides of you. If you keep this in mind when you drive, you will likely avoid putting yourself in a difficult situation. 

6. Have an Escape Route

Sometimes you are able to see that the car behind you is coming toward you and is not stopping. When this occurs, you can move your vehicle out of the way to avoid being rear-ended. But in order to move out of the way it’s important that you are always looking for a means of escape. If you’re unsure, ask yourself this: If the driver behind you were distracted would you be able to get out of the way?

7. Check Your Mirrors

So many rear-end collisions can be avoided if you anticipate the accident before it happens. However, you can’t do so without checking your mirrors. Experts say that you should be checking each of your mirrors every eight seconds while you are either slowing down or coming to a stop. 

What To Do If You Rear-End Another Car

If you have been involved in an accident by rear-ending another car, it is important to stay calm. Next, you should:

  • Take a deep breath, and don’t panic.
  • Do not flee the scene of the accident.
  • Check for injuries, and seek medical attention for those injured.
  • Call the police immediately to report the accident.
  • Take pictures, if possible, and document the positions of the vehicles after the accident.
  • Explain to the authorities how the accident occurred when they arrive.
  • Get a copy of the accident report for evidence and safekeeping.

MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those Who Have Been Injured in a Car Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, it can feel overwhelming. But you shouldn’t have to pay the price for someone else’s mistakes. At MPJ Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of car accidents and a long history of dealing with insurance companies. We will always act in your best interest. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!

Posted in: Automobile Accidents