There are several different car accident types. There is the head-to-head or front impact collision, which is frequently one of the most devastating. You might also have a T-bone collision, where a car broadsides another one coming from a different direction.
In this article, though, we’re going to talk about a third variety, the rear-end collision. Rear-end collisions occur when a car comes up behind another vehicle and strikes it, with the front fender impacting the other vehicle’s rear fender. There are a few facts about this collision type about which all drivers should know, so let’s dive in now.
This Is One of the More Common Car Accident Types
One of the first things worth knowing about this collision type is that they happen quite frequently. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a highly reputable entity, states that rear-end collisions account for about 30% of those that occur on America’s roads every year.
With that number of rear-end collisions happening, you should know to watch out for them as a driver. You must understand that if you stop suddenly and a car is tailgating you, they might hit you.
You can also hit the car in front of you if it stops abruptly or you’re not paying attention. That’s why you need to leave some distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of you whenever you can.
There Are Some Frequent Injuries That Occur From this Crash Variety
Doctors report that there are some particular injuries that often happen when they see rear-end accident victims. Back, neck, and head injuries are the most common.
If a car runs into your vehicle from behind, that can cause soft-tissue back trauma. You can strain your back, which is a painful condition that often requires weeks of rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain meds.
You might also sustain whiplash, which occurs when your head and neck rock back and forth. That’s another particularly painful injury. You might have to wear a neck brace for a while, treat the pain with ice, and use either over-the-counter or even prescription pain meds.
If a car behind you hits your vehicle, your head might bounce forward and collide with the dashboard or steering wheel. If that happens, you might sustain a concussion or some other traumatic brain injury form. You can suffer facial injuries as well.
Distracted Driving Frequently Causes These Crashes
There are a few different things that can cause rear-end collisions, but distracted driving is at the top of the list. You might have your smartphone with you, and you decide to send a text message right when the car ahead of you stops. You may try to change the radio station, and the same thing can happen.
Perhaps you’re talking to someone in the passenger’s seat or behind you in one of the rear seats. You might check out a billboard or see a wreck over on the other side of the highway that commands your attention for a moment.
If you can keep your eyes on the road at all times, these accidents are less likely. You can’t ever control what another driver does, so you’ll have to hope that they’re behaving responsibly.
Alcohol is Another Huge Contributor
It should not surprise you to learn that alcohol often plays a part in rear-end collisions. You might decide to knock back a few beers at a friend’s house or a bar before driving. You’re an experienced driver, so you think you can handle it.
You are tempting fate whenever you do that. It’s true that you could make it home okay, but it’s just as likely that you’ll fall asleep at the wheel or drift over into another lane.
It’s hard to judge how far ahead of you a car is if you have downed some adult beverages. If someone ahead of you stops, your reaction time might not be as sharp as usual, and you can plow right into them.
The Legal System Often Judges These Accidents Harshly
You should also know that cops and judges can view these accident varieties harshly because, generally speaking, they shouldn’t happen. When they do, more times than not, it’s a distracted or drunk driver situation, or you were tailgating another driver, which you should never do.
The courts might take your license away if you do this, either temporarily or permanently. Fines are also possible, or even jail time if the cops slap you with a DUI.
