Traffic jam on a large highway in the snow at night

These Are the Most Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions

If you’ve ever been involved in a rear-end collision, you know how damaging these wrecks can be. Crashes of this nature can be minor fender benders, but they also have the potential to be deadly.

Once you know the most common causes of these types of wrecks, you’ll have a better chance of preventing such occurrences.

These are the most common causes of rear-end collisions:

Tailgating

If you’re following too closely behind the car in front of you, you’re tailgating. Tailgating is dangerous under any circumstance and should always be avoided because it significantly reduces your reaction time, which means you may not be able to avoid a collision.

Additionally, tailgating is a behavior associated with road rage, so it’s important to keep your emotions under control while you’re behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving

While using a smartphone is the most dangerous form of distracted driving, the following behaviors also take your mind away from the road and can cause a rear-end collision:

  • Using your car’s infotainment system
  • Eating
  • Drinking
  • Reading
  • Grooming
  • Putting on makeup

Disobeying Traffic Laws

Speeding often causes rear-end collisions. If you’re going too fast for the road conditions, you may not be able to stop in time.

Inclement Weather

If you don’t take the weather into consideration while you’re behind the wheel, you may end up going faster than the conditions allow, or you may not take the extra caution needed to properly execute a turn. Be mindful of the weather so you can avoid a rear-end crash.

Vehicle Defects

It’s important to have your brakes inspected regularly so that they don’t fail and cause you to rear-end another vehicle.

Driver Mistakes

Drivers are still mostly human. That means we are all capable of making mistakes and causing collisions. For instance, as you approach a stop, you may hit the gas pedal instead of the brake.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident, our lawyers at Whiting Hagg & Dorsey, LLP may be able to help you receive the settlement you deserve. Give us a call at (605) 519-6136 or fill out an online contact form.

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