Car accidents happen every day. You probably know people who have been involved in serious collisions. You may have had a fender bender or two yourself during your driving career. There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting hurt on the road in the future.
By knowing the most common types of car accidents and understanding their causes, you can become more aware of when a collision is likely to occur and take action to avoid it. Follow these tips to increase your safety when you are behind the wheel.
Rear-end collisions
One of the most common types of car accidents is the rear-end collision, which occurs when one car crashes into the rear of the vehicle in front of it. According the to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end accidents make up approximately 29 percent of all traffic collisions.
In many of these occurrences, the driver coming from the rear may be distracted in the moments just before impact. When you are in slow-moving traffic or at a stop, keep a close watch on your rearview mirror and your surroundings, in general, to avoid becoming a victim in a rear-end crash.
Collision with a parked car
You don’t even have to be driving your car to become involved in a motor vehicle accident. Drivers hit parked cars all the time. This can happen when a driver is not familiar enough with the dimensions of the vehicle they are driving or they are not paying enough attention to their surroundings.
You can avoid one of these accidents by not parking too close to other vehicles. If a parking area is too hard for you to maneuver in, other drivers might have a difficult time as well and you could end up with a damaged car. Keep this in mind the next time you are searching for a parking place.
Hydroplaning
When the weather is rainy or icy, or there is another type of slick material on the road, drivers can hydroplane and lose control of their cars. People who are driving too fast or have worn tires usually have a higher chance of experiencing this, though even the safest driver can hydroplane under certain conditions. When in you are driving on slippery surfaces, take extra precautions to avoid losing traction, and stay alert for other drivers who might be a danger to you.
Side impacts
Side impacts, or T-bone collisions, are responsible for approximately 27 percent of passenger deaths. T-bone accidents tend to occur when a driver violates right-of-way rules, or runs a stop light or stop sign. You can increase your chances of avoiding this kind of wreck by always following right-of-way rules and obeying traffic signs. Also, before you enter an intersection, always check both ways to make sure there is no oncoming traffic that might be a danger.
While the above tips can decrease your chances of a wreck, it may not always be possible to avoid a car accident with a negligent driver. If you do become the victim of a reckless motorist, you might be able to file a claim for any injuries you suffered as well as other damages that resulted from the accident.