Rear-end collisions are a common accident that may cause neck injuries including whiplash. While rear-end collision injuries are rarely fatal, they can leave you in severe pain. The reason is that this type of collision violently snaps the neck backward against its normal range of motion and then forward, often causing whiplash.
For you, a rear-end collision often occurs suddenly with no warning. All motorists are highly vulnerable to the actions of the driver behind them and have limited options when the collision is about to occur. As Indianapolis car accident lawyers, we would like to share these tips on how to avoid being hit from behind:
- When stopping at a light or traffic sign, look for an escape route such as a shoulder. Allow enough space in front to make an evasive maneuver if required.
- Brake gently when coming to a stop. This gives the motorist behind you more time to react.
- Allow plenty of following distance between yourself and the car ahead. This eliminates the need for you to brake hard if the driver in front hits his brakes. This in turn gives the driver behind more time to brake. Allow even more following distance if the car behind you is tailgating or when the visibility is poor.
- Check your mirrors frequently. Be careful not to fixate on your mirrors at the expense of seeing the road ahead. The mirror checks should be quick but frequent.
- Make sure your brake and signal lights are working. Without them, motorists won’t get advanced warning of your braking or intentions to turn.
- Drive predictably. Avoid sudden braking, turning, or other sudden maneuvers. Use your turn signals well in advance and drive gradually.
These suggestions will reduce your risk of being in a rear-end collision. However, they won’t reduce the risk to zero. If in spite of your careful driving, another motorist injures you in a rear-end collision, don’t hesitate to contact us.
