Every time you get behind the while you should expect the unexpected.
While you may do your best to avoid an accident, other drivers may not have the same diligence. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, rear-end collisions account for approximately 27.8% of traffic accidents.
Common causes
Many factors come into play regarding a rear-end collision. Modern conveniences, such as cellphones, have only heightened your chances of getting rear-ended. Along with distracted driving, which also includes eating or adjusting the radio, other common causes or rear-end collisions include:
- Disregarding traffic laws, especially speeding
- Following a driver too closely, resulting in the ability to brake soon enough
- Ignoring slippery weather conditions
- Driving a vehicle with bad brakes
- Making a driving error, such as hitting the gas instead of the brakes
Types of injuries
While the NHTSA reports that only 6.8% of rear-end collisions result in a fatality, these types of accidents may result in minor to severe injuries. Whiplash tops the list of injuries. The sudden jolt from the impact makes the neck and head jerk back and forth. If that impact results in hitting your head, you may suffer a concussion. Other potential injuries include sprains, fractures, broken bones and back injuries, such as a slipped disc. Even if your sustain a minor injury, an injury may mean needing to take time off work, dealing with pain and having to go to unexpected doctor visits.
While you may not have control of other drivers, you can take control in the aftermath of a rear-end collision.