Far too many auto collisions occur every single day. Roughly 30% of all crashes are rear-end accidents. Fortunately, there are many easy things you can do to help prevent these mishaps.
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Reduce Distractions and Concentrate on the Road
A little extra focus can go a long way. Paying even just a little extra attention to the road can help you be more responsive. Turn down the music, and don’t multitask. Drivers who are focused can stop sooner when a car ahead of them brakes suddenly, and they can react faster if other drivers become aggressive.
Make Sure Nothing Is Obstructing Your Vision
While it’s not possible to see everything dangerous ahead of you, there are preventive actions you can take. Leave plenty of room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you so that you can see more of what’s ahead.
Keep your windshield clean and defrosted on colder days. Fix any cracks as soon as possible because federal law requires it. Posters, signs, tint, and hanging objects can all block the driver’s view.
Brake Gradually
While approaching a red light, stop sign, or crosswalk, slow down before you need to. You shouldn’t ride the brakes, but don’t stop so quickly that the driver in the car behind you can’t tell that a stop is ahead. If all drivers have enough time to react, the likelihood of a rear-end accident is reduced tremendously.
Take Current Driving Conditions into Consideration
Often, outside factors will also require that you practice a little more caution. Be sure to drive slowly, and leave more room than usual when there are hazardous icy roads or if it’s dark and you know that there is wildlife around.
It’s a good idea to slow down and to allow more room anytime kids are outside playing, there are construction projects nearby, or bicyclists are riding on the street with traffic. While not all crashes are avoidable, it’s possible to seek a car accident settlement if an accident occurs because of hazardous weather conditions.
Check Your Brakes Before You Leave
Since brake lights can go out without the driver realizing it, it can be helpful to check to ensure they are working before you start cruising down the street. If you don’t have working brake lights, the drivers behind you will have a much more difficult time determining when you are going to stop, and it could cause a rear-end accident.
In short, since rear-end accidents make up almost one-third of all crashes, it’s crucial to be proactive to stay safe. Remember, the more space between your car and the one in front of you the better. Even if you’re an extremely safe driver, the other drivers on the road might not be as careful.
