Millions of auto accidents occur annually in the United States, and when they do, it’s not only important to know what to do and how to protect yourself, but it’s equally important to know what caused the accident and how to avoid it in the future. Although accident scenarios vary, there are a number of common types of accidents that occur each year. Below is an overview of those common accidents to help you understand what you can do to protect yourself.
Rear-end collision
The best way to avoid being involved in a rear-end collision is to simply leave enough space between you and the driver in front of you and to always look ahead for other cars hitting their brakes. When a rear-end collision happens, the blame is typically associated with the driver that hit the car in front. Whether that driver was distracted or simply going to fasts for conditions and not able to stop in time, rear-end collisions can often be avoided.
Intersection collisions
When cars cross paths, accidents can happen. Busy intersections can often times be the culprit in auto accidents. When a driver is distracted or makes a poor decision at an intersection, the chances of an accident increases. Red lights and stop signs are often ignored which can create significant accidents at intersections. Be aware of stop signs and traffic lights ahead and always approach with caution.
Lane changes
A car being side-swiped is often the result of an improper lane change. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots or use their turning signal drastically increase their chances of being a victim of an auto accident. When you change lanes on the highway, make sure to use your turning signal, rear-view and side mirrors, and always turn and check your blind spot.
Reduce the chances of becoming a victim of some of the most common auto accidents on the road today. Be mindful of your surroundings and always drive with caution. When you do the little things, it will keep you and those driving around you safe on the road.
