Every year in the United States, around 2.5 million rear-end collisions are reported. Any number of factors can lead to a rear impact crash, including distracted driving, tailgating and poor weather conditions.
Even at slow speeds, a rear-end car accident can lead to serious injuries. The impact of being struck from behind causes the driver or passenger to rapidly and unexpectedly pitch forward, which can cause spinal injuries, whiplash or even a concussion.
While even the safest drivers cannot prevent all car accidents, there are steps that we can take to reduce the chances of being involved in a rear impact car accident. Protect yourself, your loved ones and your vehicle by being a defensive driver and following these tips to help avoid rear-end car accidents:
- Begin to brake well in advance of your need to stop to alert the driver behind you that traffic is slowing, which gives them more time to react.
- Avoid braking abruptly. Rather than slamming on your brakes to try to catch a missed turn, it is much safer to drive past it and turn around.
- Exercise caution when pulling out in front of moving traffic. Wait for a sufficient break between cars.
- Never tailgate other drivers. Always maintain a safe distance between your car and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Pay attention to the traffic down the road, not just the car directly ahead of you. That way you will be alerted to traffic coming to a stop.
- Give driving your full attention. Never drive distracted, such as driving while eating, talking on a cellphone or texting.
If you have been injured in a rear end collision caused by someone else’s negligence, contact a personal injury attorney today for legal advice.