According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Highway Loss Data Institute, 37,431 people lost their lives in car 
accidents in 2016, a six percent increase from 2015 and the most deaths since 2007. This was a result of 34,439 crashes on roads in the U.S, many of which could have been avoided.
Between driving under the influence, aggressive driving, or distracted driving, there are many ways that reckless drivers contribute to numerous injuries and deaths on our roads. Sometimes it is a simple gesture such as putting down a cell phone or not following too closely that can prevent an accident and save a life.
Though not all accidents are fatal, many of them still cause hardship and financial loss for those involved. While out on the roads this summer and always, pay attention to your actions, and avoid these types of common car collisions.
- Front-End Collision
Front-end collisions are the most common on the road and accounted for 54 percent of serious crashes in 2016, according to the IIHS. These crashes occur when a vehicle hits something with the front end, usually another car or object such as a telephone pole or fence. Often these types of accidents occur when road conditions are less than ideal due to weather combined with a driver who is not paying close attention.
Avoid a front-end collision by keeping a safe distance from the car in front of you, especially if the roads are slick due to rain. As with driving in any condition, put down the cell phone and limit distractions inside your car. Distracted driving can cause many problems on the road.
- Rear-End Collision
Rear-end collisions occur when a vehicle hits another from behind, usually in heavy traffic. Though this type of accident may be considered another driver’s fault if you are the one rear-ended, there are still things you can do to try and avoid this type of accident.
Make sure you always move over to the right lane and allow tailgaters to pass if they are following too close behind and never slam on the breaks to prove a point. Always keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. No matter what kind of rush you are in, nothing is worth the time lost to being involved in a car accident.
- Side Impact Collisions
Known on the streets as a “T-Bone,” or a “Sideswipe,” side impact car collisions are most common in intersections where there may be confusion over the right-of-way.
These types of accidents can be easily avoided by exercising extra caution when approaching intersections. Never try and beat a yellow light, and always stop for red lights. If you are approaching a roundabout, always yield to those already in the circle before entering yourself.
- Parking Lot Accidents
Parking lot accidents may not contribute to as many fatalities a year due to the slower speed at which drivers are going in these scenarios, but they can still cause damage to vehicles and loss of time and money.
Avoid bumping into someone in a parking lot by leaving plenty of room in between your car and another and by not parking in spaces that are designated as compact if you do not own a compact car. Additionally, pay attention all around your vehicle as you back up, and don’t rely solely on backup cameras. Technology is helpful, and an excellent tool, but you should also be looking around your car for pedestrians and smaller vehicles or bikes that may not be detected immediately.
Drive Kind to Avoid Car Collisions
At Panter, Panter, and Sampedro, we always advocate for our friends and community to Drive Kind to avoid an accident. Please consider joining our pledge to keep our South Florida roads safe for our families. You can learn more about our Drive Kind campaign on our website.
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, an accident is unavoidable. If you are the victim of an accident where you sustained serious injuries, or the loved one of a family member who was killed in an auto accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your losses.
References:
(2018, May 22). 4 Common Collisions And How To Avoid Them. Retrieved from https://geico.com/more/driving/auto/car-safety-insurance/common-collisions/?utm_source=geico&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&utm_campaign=jun2018
General statistics. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/general-statistics/fatalityfacts/overview-of-fatality-facts
