4 Common Car Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Jun 9, 2016

Accident, Car, Collision, Crash, Vehicle No one wants to have an accident, but car crashes are very common in neighborhoods, parking lots, and close to home. Most car accidents happen when drivers are distracted, fatigued, or doing non-driving activities when there’s poor weather conditions or during medical or emotional impairment. Here’s a short list of common types of accidents and ways to avoid them.

1. Rear-Ending

One of the more common types of accident people find themselves in is a rear-end accident. A 2007 study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association found that 64 percent of people who were involved in a rear-end collision were not looking at the road at the time of the accident. Distraction is a common factor in all accidents, but especially in rear-end collisions. The best way to avoid these types of accidents is to be aware of your surroundings while driving and put your phone safely out of reach.

2. Hydroplaning

Another common cause for accidents is hydroplaning. When a car hydroplanes, it skids on top of water and has no traction or connection with the ground. Tire treads are specifically designed to allow water into the divots and keep connection with the ground. If you drive too quickly through water, this can’t happen and your tires lose connection with the road, causing you to hydroplane. The best way to prevent hydroplaning is to slow down when it’s raining and avoid standing water. If you do find yourself hydroplaning, don’t stomp on the brake. Let your vehicle coast to a stop or lightly apply pressure to the brake. Make sure to routinely check the tread on your tires so it does not get too thin.

3. Side Impact

Side-impact crashes are some of the most dangerous and deadly, as there is very little between the passenger or driver and the vehicle that has just crashed into the car. Many new cars now include side air bags to combat the danger of side-impact crashes. Most side-impact crashes happen at an intersection when someone does not follow the rules of the road. One of the simplest ways to avoid causing this type of accident is to not exceed the speed limit, which will give you enough time to stop at traffic lights and stop signs.

4. Single Vehicle Crashes

It may not sound like much, but a single vehicle accident can also be very dangerous. This type of collision is defined as one where there’s only one car involved. This type of accident is very common for new drivers or when an experienced driver is distracted or multitasking while driving. One of the easiest ways to avoid this type of accident is to always focus wholly on the road and obey all traffic laws.

No matter the type of accident, no one wants to crash their car. The easiest way to avoid accidents is to be an aware driver. Many accidents can be avoided if drivers pay attention to the road and don’t attempt to multitask or use their cellphones.

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