Avoiding an Auto Accident

Automobile accidents happen every day. To help avoid being involved in one, it is important to understand some common causes of accidents and strategies to avoid them. Below is a list of five common causes of car accidents and some tips that every driver can follow to help avoid them. Rear-Enders Nearly one third of all automobile accidents are the result of rear-end collisions according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Common causes of rear-end collisions include: Speeding. Distracted driving (i.e. texting, reading, eating, etc.) To help avoid rear-ending another vehicle because of inattention, always pay attention to your surroundings, particularly the street and other vehicles. Make sure your cell phone is safely put away and focus your attention to the road and your speed. Hitting a Parked Car When you're backing up in a parking lot, turn around to check for other vehicles instead of relying on your rear-view mirror or backup camera. If you're parking, avoid pulling in close to other cars. It's safer to park in an empty area of the lot and walk a bit farther. When parking your car, don’t park too close to other vehicles, so that they have room to back out without side-swiping your car or giving you a door ding. Remember, if you had a hard time getting into a spot, other drivers will have a hard time getting out. It is better to park a bit further away and walk than to deal with car damage. Hydroplaning When it comes to rainy commutes, soggy moods rule the day. Road vision gets hampered, traffic backs up, and accidents accumulate. Not to mention those parking lot puddles that are perfectly placed to inspire new and imaginative curse words. Worse than arriving at the office with matted hair and wet socks, however, is not arriving at all, due to a very common, potentially dangerous, and surprisingly avoidable rain-induced occurrence known as hydroplaning – or aquaplaning to our friends from across the pond. To avoid hydroplaning, drive a bit more slowly during and right after rain storms, especially in areas where water accumulates. Slowing down makes it easier for the tires to connect with the ground. You should also regularly check your tire’s treads to make sure they aren’t worn down. If you do find yourself in a hydroplane situation, the best thing to do is stop accelerating and avoid stomping on your brakes, says Consumer Reports. Instead, apply steady pressure to the brakes and allow the car to coast down to a slower speed. Animal Collision Drivers may be required to know the rules of the roadway, but wild animals don’t always follow them. Depending on the size of the animal, a collision with your car can cause serious vehicle damage, resulting in body damage or broken windows. Take caution when you see an animal crossing sign and use your high beams at night when traveling in rural areas. Make sure to follow the speed limit to ensure that you are able to slow down in time if one darts out into the road. Side-Impact Crashes A T-bone accident is one where the front of one car or truck crashes into the side of another vehicle. Broadside accidents most often occur at intersections when one of the drivers fails to stop at a stop sign or traffic light, or otherwise fails to yield the right-of-way to the other driver. To avoid these dangerous crashes, be sure to follow the typical rules of the road: Look both ways for oncoming cars when you have the right of way and make sure to stop at red lights and stop signs. Follow posted speed limits to make sure that you will have adequate time to stop for a changing light. To protect yourself and any passengers from injury in a “T-bone” collision, consider purchasing a car that comes standard with head-protecting side airbags. In crash tests, the IIHS found that side airbags that protect the head can help prevent fatalities in side-impact crashes. Understanding the causes of these common car accidents and how to prevent them can help keep you safe. By following these easy recommendations, you can help reduce your chances of being involved in one of these common accidents and ensure a safer road for all.