With millions of drivers on the road every day, accidents happen. And, despite major advances in car safety systems such as air bags, proximity detectors and other warning indicators, the number of people killed in motor vehicle traffic accidents in 2021 (the year of the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)) was 10 percent higher than it was in 2020.
Non-fatal traffic accidents are even more common. NHTSA estimates there were more than six million police-reported, non-fatal car accidents in the U.S. in 2021.
What are the most common types of collisions?
The most common types of vehicle accidents are rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, âT-boneâ collisions, and single-car accidents.
Each type of collision has contributing factors that are affected by surroundings. For example, rear-end collisions are most common in heavy traffic, while T-bone accidents tend to happen at intersections. One all-too-common factor across different types of collisions is driver inattention, which can lead to driving too closely to another vehicle or being unaware of surroundings, impacting reaction time.
When you get behind the wheel of a car, your priority is driving safely. This can mean you need to pay attention not just to your own driving, but also being very aware of how others around you are driving too, so that you have sufficient time to react if another driver makes a mistake.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of vehicle accidents. Because these tend to happen in heavy traffic, they often occur at slower speeds so they are less likely to cause fatalities. However, they can be serious and can result in a surprising amount of damage to a car.
Avoiding rear-end collisions starts with maintaining a safe following distance. The National Safety Council recommends a minimum three-second gap, which gives you enough time to react, particularly if the car in front of you stops suddenly or makes a turn without indicating. In heavy traffic, pay attention to traffic signals, road signs, brake lights and turn signals.
Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions can be very serious and are far more likely to cause a fatality than a rear-end collisionâeven at lower speeds, because of the force of two vehicles hitting one another. Driver inattention or driver impairment can cause head-on crashes, as a car drifts into the lane of oncoming traffic.
To avoid head-on collisions, the most important element is awareness. Pay close attention to your vehicleâs position on the road, staying within your laneâno drifting over the line on a road that winds, for example. If you see an oncoming vehicle drift into your lane, slow down and move to the shoulder of the road if at all possible.
Another cause of head-on collisions is unsafe passing. It should go without saying, but only pass in areas that are indicated as passing zones, and only pass when it is safe to do so.
âT-boneâ collisions
The name âT-boneâ refers to the T-shape that happens when two vehicles collide at a perpendicular angle. T-bone collisions tend to happen at intersections, usually when one vehicle either ignores a traffic signal or fails to yield the right of way to another car.
Running a red light is an example of how a T-bone accident can happen. When the car with the right of wayâthe one with the green lightâproceeds, while another car runs the red light, a T-bone collision can happen. The severity of these types of accidents can depend on the speed of the vehicles and the side of impact. T-bone collisions are almost always caused by driver inattention or poor judgment.
Use caution and pay attention when approaching an intersection, making certain itâs clear before advancing, even if the light is green.
Single car accidents
A car accident with only one car involved is considered a single car accident, and the reasons can be varied. From taking a turn too fast and sliding into a tree, avoiding an animal in the road, dozing off at the wheel, or backing into an immovable object, there are many ways for an accident to involve only one vehicle.
Because there are so many ways to get into a single car crash, the best way to avoid one is to be a conscientious driver. Keep your car in good working condition, and pay close attention to tire wear and tear. Drive safely for the weather, which means slowing down in wet, snowy, or icy conditions. Make sure you are rested, and donât drive while impaired, which includes paying attention to any possible side effects of prescribed medications.
What is a fender bender?
A âfender benderâ is essentially a catchall term for a minor car accident. Basically, it means that while there were no serious injuries, there may still be physical damage to one or more vehicles. Fender benders tend to happen in low-speed areas, such as parking lots or at traffic lights. One of the determining factors in describing an accident as a fender bender is that the vehicle or vehicles involved are still drivable.
In short, a fender bender is an accident that causes only minor damage to the vehicles involved. A quick caveat for driversâjust because the damage is limited, doesnât mean it will necessarily be inexpensive to repair. Even minor accidents can be costly to fix, so make sure you know what your deductible is and what your car insurance covers.
How to avoid car accidents
The most important tip for avoiding car accidents is to pay attention. Driver distraction is a problem. From looking at phones, texting, eating, tapping away at mapping apps, turning to talk to others in the car, or even just being in a rushâmany drivers are paying attention to all of the wrong things when they should be focused on the road and their surroundings.
The average weight of a car is just over 4,000 pounds. Thatâs two tons of a moving mass. In addition to the risks posed to other cars on the road, distracted drivers can also kill or injure pedestrians or cyclists.
How can I get a quote for auto insurance?
To get a quote for auto insurance, contact the experts at Rate Insurance. They will make sure that you have the right policy to cover your vehicles, and they will take the time to go over your policy with you in detail, to make sure that you understand what is covered.
Disclaimer:
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