Rear-end crashes: 3 tips for avoiding them on the roads

On Behalf of Mallilo & Grossman Attorneys at Law | Sep 13, 2021 | car accidents |

Rear-end collisions occur often in America. They may be caused by distractions, mechanical issues and driving while impaired, as well as other reasons. Unfortunately, these crashes do have the potential to cause serious injuries or deaths.

In 2015, The Washington Post stated that around 1.7 million rear-end crashes happened annually in the United States. Simply preventing this kind of crash could impact millions of people every year.

The thing to remember is that rear-end crashes can be avoided with the right precautions. Drivers can avoid them by doing three simple things: avoiding speeding, avoiding driving while impaired and staying free of distractions.

Speeding and rear-end collisions

Speeding is one of the major causes of rear-end collisions. Why? When you speed, you’re more likely to have difficulty stopping quickly if a vehicle in front of you needs to. When you drive, you should leave between three and five car lengths between you depending on the speech at which you are traveling.

Impairments and rear-end collisions

Another common cause of rear-end collisions is impairment. When someone drives while they’re intoxicated, they may be unable to stop quickly or may not be able to recognize hazards on the road. A drunk or impaired driver may stop unexpectedly, or they may not stop if a vehicle in front of them does.

Distractions and rear-end collisions

Distractions are another leading cause of rear-end collisions that can be addressed within your vehicle. When someone isn’t paying attention, they may not see hazards up ahead. Similar to drunk or impaired drivers, those who are distracted could make mistakes or fail to see stopped traffic ahead. This could lead to a near miss or crash, so always set aside devices and stay focused on the road.

What should you do if you’re hit by someone and involved in a rear-end collision?

If you are hit by someone and are hurt in a crash, it’s important that you understand your rights and responsibilities. To start with, it’s a very good idea to get medical help to make sure that you are healthy and that you can receive the care you need for any injuries you’ve suffered.