Rear Impact
Why do rear-end collisions occur? If we could answer that question in one sentence we would win the Pulitzer Prize. Apparently, it’s easy to do nowadays. Many rear-end collisions happen when one vehicle runs into the back of another one. Really? Wouldn’t you think that all rear-end collisions happen that way.
So, how to avoid being rear-ended? To lower your risk, follow these tips:
• Ensure your brake lights are working and they are clean.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Use your rearview mirrors
• Slow down gradually. Avoid any sudden actions.
• Drive with the flow of traffic (within the speed limit). Driving too slowly can be as dangerous as driving too fast. To avoid hitting the vehicle in the front of you, keep at least three seconds following distance.
Side Impact Collisions
Statistics show that side impact collisions make up 27% of all vehicle occupant deaths in the United States. One out of four auto mortalities in the United States is the direct result of a side impact collision. Side impact collisions, also called t-bone collisions, are serious because they can crush the driver or passengers. Most side impact collisions will happen at intersections where a driver fails to yield to traffic.
Common injuries include:
• fractures
• brain trauma
• paraplegia
• quadriplegia
• spinal cord injury
• coma
• lacerations
• burns
• death
The resulting impact can also force the car into the path of other traffic causing a chain reaction. Drivers or passengers who are not properly belted in their seats can be thrown from the vehicle and hit by other vehicles attempting to avoid the collision. Even at low speeds, side impact collisions can cause serious injury. Humans are especially vulnerable to side impact collisions because of the shifting of the body’s organs from the impact.
Side impact or “t-bone” collisions occur when one vehicle crashes headfirst into the side of another vehicle – T-bone accidents in most likely to occur at:
• Intersections where another car another car because the other driver tried to make it thru before the light changed from green to red and didn’t make it in time
• Parking lots. With cars constantly traveling in opposite directions, parking lots see a lot of side-impact collisions.
• Two-way roads, such as double lane highways, roundabouts, driveways, or anywhere a vehicle enters cross traffic suddenly
When you are faced with the threat of a side impact crash, you should:
• Brake or accelerate quickly – whichever seems more likely to prevent or lessen the force of the impact.
• Look for a possible escape route – possibly in another lane or off the roadway.
• Turn your vehicle away from the impacting vehicle to lessen the force of impact if there is room to maneuver your vehicle.
When driving in congestion, to avoid a side and rear impact collision you should maintain a safe space.
All material in this video is the Copyright of Comedy Defensive Driving School® and is the Federally Registered Trademark of IDT, Inc. All rights reserved 1989-2018 **This course fulfills the requirements of the Basic Driver Improvement Course (BDI) the Traffic Collision Avoidance Course (TCAC) and Insurance reduction. This course can also be taken voluntarily to brush up on your driving skills.**