Most motor vehicle collisions that occur in the U.S. are rear-end collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost one-third of crashes are rear-end collisions. Even though most rear-end collisions are not life-threatening, they commonly cause significant physical injury and property damage. The good news is that newer safety technology such as crash warnings and automatic brake systems have helped to decrease the number of crashes and the amount of damage. Luckily, as these technologies become more and more standard, more crashes can be avoided. But regardless of the technology we have, there is no substitute for an attentive driver. Here are the top 4 tips for avoiding a rear-end collision.
4 Tips for Avoiding a Rear-End Collision
1. Maintain a Safe Following Distance
Something that can really help you from getting into a rear-end collision is to maintain a safe following distance between the front of your vehicle and the back of the vehicle in front of you. This way, if something happens that causes you to brake, you’ll have enough space to avoid hitting the car in front of you.
According to the National Safety Council, you should try using the three-second rule in order to determine whether you are at a safe following distance. This requires you to look at an object in front of you, such as a tree or sign, and slowly count to three. If you can count prior to passing the object you are at a good distance.
2. Drive with Inclement Weather and Conditions in Mind
When the weather becomes more dangerous, such as when it rains, snows, or becomes foggy, the way in which you drive must change in order to stay safe. For instance, if it is snowing and the roads are slippery, you likely have to leave a greater following distance between you and the car in front of you. Additionally, being tailgated, being behind a vehicle such as a bus that makes frequent stops, or being behind a large truck that obscures your vision requires a greater following distance.
3. Always Stay Alert
It is often distracted driving that causes rear-end collisions. This is because when they fail to pay attention to the road they often lack the ability to brake in time to avoid crashing. By keeping your eyes on the road, you will be able to see unexpected situations before it is too late to do something about them.
4. Let Others Know Your Next Move
Another important thing to do in order to avoid rear-end collisions is to let others around you know what you are planning to do next. That’s why it is so important to ensure that your lights are working and that you are using your turn signals whenever you turn left or right. Additionally, by turning slowly you can allow those around you to see what you are doing before its too late.
MPJ Law Firm Can Help Those Who Have Been Injured in a Rear-End Collision
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