There are a multitude of ways to get into an accident while driving. However, knowing the most common types of crashes might help you be more aware of what to look out for. You can be on alert for these crashes and keep yourself safer on the road. Rear-end crashes happen when one car runs into the back of another. Side impact crashes typically happen when an oncoming car collides with a car that is turning across traffic. Merging crashes happen when cars are trying to get into the same lane. And finally, head-on crashes are the most dangerous and can involve other cars, animals, or stationary objects. Knowing what types of collisions happen most frequently can help you avoid them more easily.
Most Common Types of Crashes and How to Avoid Them
Rear-End Crashes
Rear-end crashes are one of the most common types of crashes. These occur when a car collides into the back of the car in front of it. This can often cause a domino effect with the car they hit running into the car in front of them, and so on and so forth. The most common situation where this happens is at intersections with stoplights. If the light changes green and cars have any sort of hesitation or slow down, rear-end collisions occur if the cars behind are distracted. Rear-end collisions also occur when a car in front must slam on breaks and the car behind doesn’t react quickly enough. The best way to avoid these types of crashes is to always be alert and paying attention when driving. And never drive while distracted by cell phones.
Side-Impact Crashes
Side impact crashes can happen when one car cuts across traffic and is hit by an oncoming car. The most common types of crashes that are side-impact are T-bone crashes, where the cars collide perpendicularly. This can happen frequently when one car is attempting to turn left across several lanes of traffic and fails to thoroughly look both ways. These can also occur at intersections where a driver fails to stop at a stop sign or accelerates out of turn. Finally, if one vehicle runs a red light, they can collide with left turners who have a green light. These types of collisions are very dangerous since the side of your car is not equipped with as much protection as the front and rear. To avoid side-impact crashes, always make sure and look both ways before crossing traffic, and never run red lights.
Merging Crashes
Merging crashes are another of the most common types of crashes. These can occur when a lane drops and traffic is expected to merge into a lane that is already being used by other vehicles. They can also occur around yield signs. The most common reason for these crashes is that drivers fail to check their blind spots completely. You can’t rely on your side and rear mirrors when merging because there are areas that you can’t see in them. It’s important to always turn your head and look completely at the road you are merging into before changing lanes. If you are on a road with three or more lanes and merging towards the middle, check that lane and also the furthest lane. You want to make sure that there isn’t another car from the distant lane trying to merge to the spot you’re heading.
Head-On Crashes
Finally, another of the most common types of crashes is head-on collisions. These are the most dangerous because they often involve cars traveling at a high rate of speed. These crashes can be caused by two cars colliding, or one car hitting an animal or a stationary object like a tree. Head-on collisions are sometimes caused by intoxicated drivers, or drivers traveling the wrong direction in a lane. Avoid these types of crashes by always being sober while driving. In addition, follow posted speed limits and never drive recklessly. Finally, be alert while driving for animals near the roadway.
Knowing the most common types of crashes can help you avoid them by being prepared. Rear-end collisions happen frequently because of distraction, so make sure that you never text and drive. Side-impact collisions can be avoided by always looking both ways thoroughly before cutting across traffic. Merging collisions often occur when drivers forget to check their blind spots. And finally, head-on collisions can be best avoided by following the rules of the road and never driving under the influence. By knowing the types of collisions to watch out for the most, you can be safer on the road.