How to Avoid the Common Causes of Rear-Ended Collisions
October 18th, 2020 by Fix Auto USA
Some people are under the impression that a rear end collision is not a big deal. While it is true that front end collisions take more lives, a more likely scenario for the average person is getting hit from behind.
What causes most rear end collisions? Common causes include tailgating, wed roads, and applying the brakes too late. Rear end collisions are usually caused by distracted or speeding drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that almost 30 percent of all vehicle collisions in the United States are rear-end collisions. Also, over 2,000 people die annually from rear-end collisions. In cases where there are no serious injuries, there is often serious damage to the vehicles.
So it would be a good thing if you could avoid a rear-end collision altogether, right? In that spirit here are some strategies to help minimize the risk:
Don’t trail the car in front of you too closely
Avoiding accidents is all about doing the small things right consistently over time. One of those small but crucial things is to leave plenty of space and keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. If there’s a chain reaction up ahead that causes the car in front of you to slam on the brakes, you will have plenty of time to apply the brakes, provided you left enough breathing room. Don’t be a tailgater.
Watch your speed
Speeding – and especially reckless speeding – increases your chances of being involved in a rear-end collision.
Use your mirrors
Use them. That’s what they’re there for. If you are serious about avoiding a rear-end collision, check your rear-view mirror frequently, depending on how congested the traffic is. Whenever you apply the brakes or prepare to stop, check the mirror. Is the guy behind you on your tail? Is he braking? If not, you could ease up on the brakes or, if there is room ahead, you could gently accelerate to create more space between you.
Brake gradually
Slamming on your brakes, especially when it is not necessary, will not endear you to your fellow drivers and, more importantly, it makes a rear-end collision a distinct possibility. If you have a heavy foot, work on applying the brakes slowly. If you are approaching a red light, for example, start applying the brakes earlier in a gentle and gradual manner; when the drivers behind you see that your brake light is activated, it gives them more time to respond accordingly. It’s not only good driving etiquette, but it can also help you to avoid an accident. This assumes, of course, that your brake lights are working properly.
Focus, focus, focus
Remember, most rear end collisions are usually caused by inattentive or reckless drivers. So, minimize distractions. Be hyper-aware. Focus on the road. In this state of mind, you can quickly and calmly respond if you notice the driver in front of you slam on the brakes. On the other hand, if you were checking your phone, you might not notice the accident and the chain reaction of red lights up ahead. A split second can make a huge difference when it comes to accident avoidance.
ow that you know what causes most rear end collisions and how to minimize them, you can start to practice these strategies next time you get into your car. Remember, all you have control over, ultimately, are your own driving decisions and behaviors. There’s no accounting for reckless or distracted drivers. If one of them hits you from behind, or anywhere else for that matter, you can bring your vehicle in to your local Fix Auto USA body shop for collision repair you can trust. We are open for business and ready to serve you.
This blog post was contributed by Fix Auto Lindon, a leading industry expert and collision repair shop serving Lindon and Utah County.
