Accidents are bound to happen to everyone on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), you can take steps to make these collisions less likely. Here is our breakdown of the most common automobile collisions and how to avoid them in the future.
Read-End Collisions
Rear-ended motorists are most often in heavy commuter traffic. Offenders are most often driving over the speed limit or too aggressively. This practice provides less following distance and less reaction time leading to the collision. To avoid being rear-ended, avoid tailgaters: slow down and let others pass by moving to the right lane if safe. To avoid rear-ending someone, follow the rules of the road: obey the speed limit, and give yourself a considerable following distance. Invest in a car with automatic braking technology and forward-collision warning systems with visual and audible alerts.
Front-Impact Collisions
Front-impact collisions occur when the front of one vehicle hits the front of another or something like a tree or telephone pole. According to the IIHS, this type of collision accounted for about 57% of severe crashes in 2019. Slippery roads and other weather-related factors cause these crashes. Adapt your driving to fit the weather conditions. Drive slower in the rain and snow to give you plenty of reaction time. Avoid distracting factors like texting and eating to stay focused on your task.
Side-Impact Collisions
There are typically two types of side-impact collisions: T-bones and sideswipes. T-bone is the classic kind that often occurs at intersections. Usually, cars collide at a perpendicular angle due to confusion at the intersection. Sideswipes often happen when a car gets hit on the side at a more parallel angle. 23% of serious accidents are side-impact collisions. Many of these T-bone accidents happened when people were in a rush. Try leaving the house earlier to give yourself more time to reach the destination. Check both ways at intersections before proceeding, and always slow for yellow lights. Sideswipes often happen when changing lanes, so always check your blindspots and be alert for others changing abruptly.
Parking Lot Collisions
There is a lot of motion in the parking lot. It can be hard to see everything. These collisions often end in a dented bumper, even if you look in every direction. Fortunately, there are some measures you can take to reduce your risk. Park away from other cars to give yourself better visibility. If you can’t get your vehicle alone, look around at your surroundings before you get in your car to back out. Technology is fantastic, but try not to rely solely on your rearview mirror. Use all tools given to you, including your mirrors.
If you are ever in a collision, don’t stress! Performance Collision Centers can get you back on the road for good, so you don’t have to worry about a thing. Our Gold-Class certified technicians are thoroughly trained to explain every step of their process to you before they work on the car. We work directly with your insurance company and can coordinate a rental vehicle on-site for a hassle-free, top-notch experience. Schedule your appointment today and see what makes us the right choice!