Unfortunately, car accidents aren’t uncommon. In fact, they occur each and every day. The most common type of car accident in the United States is a rear-end collision. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost one in three car crashes is a rear-end collision. A rear-end collision occurs when the front of one car crashes into the back of the car in front of it.
The good news is that rear-end collisions aren’t usually life-threatening. However, they can cause serious injuries and property damage. Here are some of the main causes of rear-end collisions and how to avoid them.
Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Here are some of the main causes of rear-end collisions and how to avoid them.
People aren’t paying attention.
One of the most common reasons for rear-end collisions today is that people are more distracted than ever. With smartphones constantly in our hands, many people make the huge mistake of texting or looking at their phones while behind the wheel. This failure to pay attention can result in the failure to see the brake lights of the vehicle in front of you and missing the opportunity to brake in time. Alternately, failure to pay attention and see what is going on from all angles can eliminate your ability to avoid someone crashing into you. If you are paying attention and you see the car behind you going too fast, you may be able to get out of the way safely.
People fail to signal adequately.
Another major cause of rear-end collisions is that people fail to adequately signal in order to let others know what they are about to do. Proper signaling includes gradually slowing and using your turn signals. When someone fails to slow down gradually and demonstrates that they are turning, the driver behind them often fails to slow in time.
Drivers fail to maintain a safe following distance.
One of the most common – and preventable – reasons for rear-end collisions is that people don’t leave enough space in between the front of their vehicle and the back of the vehicle in front of them. According to the National Safety Council, you should be far enough behind the vehicle in front of you that you won’t pass the same place as them for three seconds. In other words, if the car in front of you passes a tree, there should be three seconds before you pass the same tree. This means that you are a safe distance away from them, allowing you to stop safely should you need to do so unexpectedly.
Drivers don’t take weather into consideration.
It’s important to understand that the weather can have a major impact on whether or not you are driving safely. This is because what is safe under one type of weather condition, may not be safe under another. For instance, if the speed limit is 45 mph and it’s clear and sunny, you are likely fine to be going 45mph. However, if the weather is very foggy and grey, you may need to compensate by slowing your speed due to a lack of visibility. Drivers who fail to take the weather into consideration often find themselves involved in a rear-end collision.
While all accidents aren’t preventable, understanding the main causes of rear-end collisions can be extremely important in order to minimize the risk.
The Attorneys at Ceja Law Firm Help Those in Houston Who Have Been Injured in a Rear-end Collision
If you or a loved one has been injured in a rear-end collision due to the recklessness or negligence of another, it’s vital that you understand what you are entitled to under the law. With this information under your belt, you can make important decisions regarding how you want to move forward. That’s why it’s in your best interest to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced Texas personal injury attorney.
At Ceja Law Firm PLLC, we understand the impact that an accident can have on many parts of your life and the importance of properly dealing with such negligence or recklessness. That’s why we will work to get you the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, contact us today!
