Available 24/7CarInsurance.com issued a study analyzing the most common types of car accidents. Contrary to popular belief, the traditional two-car accident accounts for less than half of reported incidents. Nearly a third of car accidents are due to automobiles striking parked cars, weather damage, vandalism, hitting animals, or striking road debris. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2014, there were 1,844 single vehicle accidents and 300 accidents involving a large truck.
The Five Most Common Types of Car Accidents
Among the car accidents that occur in California, there are five types of accidents which are more common than others. By understanding the five most common types of car accidents, one will best be able to anticipate potentially dangerous situations.
Animal Collisions
Even drivers who obey all written traffic rules cannot prepare for animals crossing the road. Collisions with larger animals can result in substantial vehicle damage and physical injuries.
How to Avoid Animal Collisions
Collisions involving animals are often caused by a combination of speeding and distraction. The best technique for limiting the number of potential animal collisions is to obey posted speed limits and avoid becoming distracted by anything that might take one’s eyes off the road. Maintaining a speed under the poster limit can help maintain control of your vehicle in case an animal darts across the road.
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning occurs during rainy weather. When driving through rain pools, a vehicle’s tires must push water out of the way to remain in contact with the road. A tire’s tread help channel water away from the contact area of the tire. If a car travels so quickly that water cannot be pushed away from the tires quickly enough, a thin wall of water remains between the tires and the road causing the driver to lose control of the automobile or hydroplane.
How to Avoid Hydroplaning
While hydroplaning is a serious situation, hydroplaning can be solved by making sure that one drives slowly and follows posted speed limits, particularly in rainy weather. Also, make sure that your tires are at the correct levels to ensure that your tires are in the best condition to combat the effects of rain. It is also advised that drivers turn off cruise control in wet weather, which will more likely lead to hydroplaning. If your vehicle does hydroplane, take your foot off the accelerator in the hopes your vehicle will naturally slow down which will be impossible if cruise control is activated.
Parked Car Collisions
Sometimes, vehicle drivers strike parked cars. These accidents are frequently caused by drivers who are not familiar with the surroundings.
How to Avoid Parked Car Collisions
When driving with areas that include parked cars, remember that you are still operating an automobile. Avoid becoming distracted by anything that might steal your attention. Also, scan your surrounding environment to detect the presence of any hazards.
Rear-Enders
The term “rear-ending” refers to one car colliding into the back of another car. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that this type of crash accounts for 29 percent of all accidents. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration conducted another study that found that “rear-ending” frequently results from distracted drivers.
How to Avoid Rear-Enders
Police reports frequently list the driver who struck from behind as at fault because it is the responsibility of these drivers to leave enough distance between automobiles. Drivers are unable to do much to avoid being struck from behind. Drivers, however, can avoid pile-ups by leaving ample space with the automobile in front of their vehicle. When driving at high speeds, make sure there is a distance of fifteen to twenty feet between your vehicle and the automobile in front of yours. Another good rule to follow is to always make sure that you can see the bottom of the rear tires of the car in front of you.
Side-Impact Crashes
In 2009, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reported that side-impact collisions comprised 27 percent of passenger vehicle deaths in the United States. Side-impact collisions include situations where one driver fails to stop and collides with a moving vehicle.
How to Avoid Side-Impact Crashes
The number one tip for avoiding side-impact crashes is to drive cautiously and remain observant of one’s surroundings.
Other Tips to Avoid Automobile Crashes
In addition to the already mentioned tips to avoid the five most common various types of car crashes, there are other steps that one should take to avoid automobile accidents, including:
- Blind Spot. Never assume that your blind spot is clear. Take precautions when switching lanes like double checking and not immediately switching your location.
- Check Your Vehicle. Before driving your vehicle, make sure that no warning lights go off and there is a sufficient amount of gas in the automobile to avoid any unexpected issues. Not to mention, make sure there is a sufficient level of antifreeze in your vehicle.
- Exhaustion. Avoid driving when tired. Driving when exhausted can result in falling asleep at the wheel in addition to dulled senses, which make it more difficult to respond to surroundings.
- Kit. Include an adverse weather kt in your car including a window scraper, a shovel to dig your car out of ditches, sand to give spinning tires more traction, blankets, a flashlight, and food.
- Maintenance. Avoid cars that require repairs. Make sure that your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and exhaust system are in working order.
- Seatbelts. Always make sure to wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts serve an important role in the event of automobile accidents. Also, make sure all passenger,s particularly children, are wearing seatbelts while the vehicle is in operation.
- Watch Out. While everyone knows not to drink and drive, this rule is not always followed. Be attentive to vehicles swerving in and out of traffic or automobiles driving on the wrong side of the road. If you spot a drunk driver, keep your distance but try to obtain the vehicle’s license plate number to report to authorities.
If you have been in an auto accident, call our experienced San Diego car accident attorneys at The Sargent Firm Injury Lawyers as soon as possible for a free consultation to discuss your case.