Rear-end car accidents are one of the most common types of collisions. These accidents can be deadly, and can sometimes cause serious injuries at relatively slow speeds. Whiplash is one of the most common injuries sustained in rear-end crashes, but motorists and passengers in either the front or rear-vehicle can be badly hurt in many different ways due to the impact of the accident.
As a result, every driver on the road needs to be aware of the dangers of rear-end accidents and needs to do his or her part to prevent them.
Tips to Reduce the Chances of Rear-End Accidents
Rear-end accidents are usually considered to be completely or partially the fault of the driver in the rear vehicle. To help avoid becoming this driver and striking the car in front of you, some crash prevention tips include:
- Pay careful attention: If you know what is going on around you, you can see obstacles which could cause the lead driver to slow or stop. You’ll also know when the driver in the car in front of yours has come to a stop or slowed down.
- Avoid drinking and driving or drowsy driving: If you have anything impairing your abilities to see what other motorists are doing and react to them, this could increase your chances of causing a rear-end accident.
- Leave a safe distance: You do not want to follow too closely behind the car directly in front of yours, or you may not have time to stop or slow down when the lead vehicle does. Leave around three to four seconds of following distance between you car and the front car.
While there is a presumption the driver in the rear is to blame for a rear-end accident, this does not mean the behavior of the driver in the lead car can never cause or contribute to a rear-end collision. Drivers should take some steps to help prevent motorists who are behind them from hitting the back of their cars. Some of the best ways to help prevent rear-end accidents include:
- Avoid stopping short: If you suddenly slam on the brakes, the car behind you may not be able to stop in time.
- Don’t cut off other drivers: If you pull into someone else’s lane, the person who you cut off may not be able to stop before hitting the back of your vehicle. Don’t drive aggressively.
- Use your signals: If you are going to turn (and need to slow down before doing so), use your signals to alert the driver behind you.
- Try to maintain a steady speed: Suddenly slowing down your vehicle could cause the driver behind you to hit the back of your car if he isn’t paying attention to the speed change or does not have time to react.
Both front and rear drivers should make sure they understand their rights when other motorists on the road are negligent and cause a crash due to their failure to follow best practices for safety.
Contact Klie Law Offices for assistance after a West Virginia injury. Call 866-408-9059 or visit https://www.klielaw.com.
