How to Avoid Being Rear-Ended
One-third of all car accidents are rear-end collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These type of car wrecks are often caused by negligent drivers not paying attention or impatient drivers following too closely. The whiplash injuries that result from rear-end accidents can cause life-long pain and suffering. Thankfully, there are several things you can do to lower your chances of being rear-ended.
- Leave more room between you and the car in front of you. Maintaining a safe following distance ensures that you have time to slow down safely and gradually, lessening your chances of being rear-ended. 3 car lengths is what is recommended on the highway.
- Start braking for traffic up ahead earlier and gently, which will compel the vehicles behind you to brake sooner and less forcefully.
- Check your mirrors more often. When braking at a traffic stop, always look in the mirrors to make sure the cars behind you are stopping too.
- When you slow to a stop, identify an escape route, where you could get out of the way of a barreling vehicle. Leaving at least 2 vehicles worth of space between you and the vehicle in front of you gives you room to get out of the way of a threatening car from behind.
- Be prepared to get out of the way of a charging vehicle by visualizing letting go of the brake and hitting accelerator. There is a tendency to want to put on your brakes when you see a car about to hit you from behind and that is the wrong response.
- Make sure your brake lights are working.
- If a car is following you too closely, resist the impulse to brake hard to warn them to back off. Braking hard could cause a rear-end accident. Slow down gradually and let them pass you at the next passing zone. If they can’t or won’t go around you, pull off to a safe location and let them pass.
If you have been rear-ended by another vehicle, Roberts Wilson, PA car accident lawyer can make sure you are fully compensated for your losses and injuries. If you, or someone you know, have suffered injuries in a car accident, please call Roberts Wilson Injury Lawyers to see if we can help you.
