A rear-end collision occurs when the front of one vehicle hits the back of another one. Though these might seem like minor traffic incidents, this type of car accident can result in significant and costly damages. Whether you are in the car that is struck from behind or the one crashing into the back of a vehicle, you could be facing personal injury as well as vehicle repairs in an accident like this.
Safe driving habits can help you avoid this type of car wreck. To read our information about how our personal injury lawyers can help you, see Personal Injury. Our Baltimore personal injury law firm of Attorney Big Al, the Law Office Of Richard Klein, offers the following three safety tips for preventing rear-end car accidents.
Maintain Distance Between Other Vehicles
Rear-end collisions often occur because the vehicles involved in the crash were too close to one another. When behind the wheel, you should take care to follow the cars in front of you at a safe distance.
Most drivers utilize the three-second rule to ensure there is enough space between them and the car in front of them. To measure this, you can choose a fixed object, such as a tree, sign, or overpass. Then you can count the seconds it takes for you to pass that object after the car in front of you has done so.
The distance may vary depending on your speed. But if fewer than three seconds elapse before you pass this designated object, you should consider slowing down. Continue paying attention to the car in front of you as you drive to prevent an accident.
Brake with Care
Sometimes, you may notice that a car behind you is tailgating, or following you too closely. If you needed to brake suddenly, that car would not be able to stop in time to avoid a rear-end collision. Learn more about rear-end collisions here: Rear-end Car Accidents.
You might not be able to control the actions of other drivers, but you can take precautions when it comes to your own driving. Brake slowly and cautiously when needed so that the other driver has time to react. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this could result in a car accident. If possible, change lanes so that the tailgater can pass you and you are removed from the situation.
Avoid Distracted Driving Behaviors
One of the primary safety rules when driving is to pay attention to your surroundings. When you remain focused behind the wheel, you can avoid situations like slamming on the brakes because you did not notice an obstacle soon enough.
You should keep your eyes on the road and avoid doing other activities while you drive. Texting, talking on the phone, and eating qualify as distracted driving dangers.
In Maryland, the use of a handheld cell phone while driving is illegal. Similarly, impaired driving, or driving under the influence of alcohol, can majorly impact your ability to operate a vehicle safely. It is also considered a criminal offense. If you are not sober, do not get behind the wheel of a car.