Rear-end collisions have increased, as reported by the transport department in the US. Like any other accident, such as a head-on collision, rear-end collisions also have fatal consequences. They can lead to severe injuries to people and damage, resulting in high costs. When involved in a rear-end crash, you might be forced to incur a charge to cover the effects caused by the collision. If any person is injured, you will be required to incur the medical expenses and the compensations that may be required. Therefore, there is a need to learn tips on how you can avoid a rear-ending collision. The following article will look at some of the primary ways you can follow to prevent rear-end collision.
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How to Avoid Causing Rear-End Collision
How can you avoid causing rear-end accidents whether you are driving on behalf of a company, your private car, or a public car? These guidelines will equip you and help you avoid rear-end accidents.
Safe Driver Training
As a driver, you must keep reminding yourself of safe driving practices by regularly going through safe driver training. Employers and companies should also consider implementing a policy requiring new and current employees to undergo safety driver training to minimize cases of rear-end accidents. During the safe driver training, the drivers will be reminded of the various tips and measures they have to take to ensure they minimize the chances of causing accidents. Some safety measures include ensuring the brakes are functioning correctly and how to park the car.
Keep a Safe Distance
Most rear-end collisions are caused by drivers failing to keep a considerate distance. Smaller distances, especially in traffic, limit drivers’ ability to react or stop when the traffic slows. Therefore, to ensure that you have sufficient space to stop the car, keep a considerable distance as the National Safety Council recommends. When the weather conditions are not ideal, or you are driving a larger vehicle, keep a more significant distance.
Reduce Distractions
Distractions while driving can cause fatal accidents. As a driver, you must be focused and minimize any chances of taking your eyes off the road. Companies can implement a distracted driving policy that will help protect and enhance safe driving. For example, you should avoid using mobile phones or other devices that may distract you while driving.
Limit Your Speed
You have to drive safely by maintaining a safe speed. Being aggressive and overspeeding, especially in areas that are not ideal such as construction zones and traffic congestion, can increase the risk of causing rear-end collisions. Courteous driving and being disciplined on the road giving careful attention to changing weather and road conditions can prevent chances of causing accidents. For example, you should learn to use the brakes, slow down, and use the brake lights when necessary.
Plan Routes in Advance
By planning your route, you are likely to know and predict the travel time, possible potential hazards, and trouble spots you are likely to encounter. This will help you understand where to speed and slowdowns and how you can avoid the various risks. You can use the GPS to plan your route.
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Ensure The Brakes Are Effective
The failure of brakes while on the road can be fatal. Therefore, before starting your journey, you should ensure that the brakes are effective and that your car can stop or slow down whenever you want. In addition, you should ensure your vehicle has no other mechanical problems that can hinder your vehicle from stopping.
Technology
Modern cars are equipped with features such as collision avoidance technology. Such technology can help reduce the chances of causing rear-end collisions. For example, this technology can alert you of a potential collision, any vehicle you can’t see, and if you are in the wrong lane. In addition, they can help maintain a safe distance, and in some cases, automatic brakes can be applied to avoid a possible crash. Further, backup cameras can also help prevent a potential impact when reversing the car. If you are not installed with these technological devices, you can consider them as they can help minimize your chance of causing a rear-end accident.
Check your mirrors more often.
As a driver, you should check your mirrors regularly when driving, slowing, taking a corner or a U-turn, and when stopping. When in traffic or discontinuing, check on your rearview mirror to ensure the vehicle behind you is also stopping or slowing down. Checking on your mirrors is a better way to know what other drivers are doing and how you can avoid them if they are likely to hit you.
Onboard Safety Systems
The onboard Safety Systems are a better way to assess your driving behavior. They help gather and record data such as your vehicle speed and driving behavior which can be disastrous such as overspeeding, driving distractions and risk overlapping or overtaking. This data lets you know where to improve and what to stop doing while on the road. If the car is company-owned, the company can use such data to assess their employees’ driving conduct. Examples of these systems include onboard cameras and telematics.
Wrapping Up
To avoid rear-end accidents, individual discipline and good driving behavior are paramount. In addition, you need to learn and practice various safety driving practices that will enhance your safe driving skills.
