There are many ways to get into an automobile accident, but one of the most common accidents are rear-end collisions. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that almost 30% of all automobile accidents are rear-enders.
While you cannot prevent all accidents, there are certain actions you can take to lessen your chances of causing a rear-end collision. According to Today’s Collision Repair Centers, you can help prevent rear-end accidents by leaving more space between yourself and the car in front of you, checking your mirrors and braking slowly.
How does space in front of the car help?
Clearly, if you have more space between yourself and the car in front of you this gives you more time to react. Additionally, having more space between yourself and the car in front of you is also advantageous if you are at a red light.
Keeping plenty of space between yourself and the car in front of you at a red light will give you a buffer zone if somebody rear-ends you. The extra space will prevent you from creating a chain reaction.
How can mirrors and brakes help?
It is best practice to check your mirrors every six seconds as you drive. Keeping an eye on the vehicle behind you is also paramount for preventing rear-end collisions. Additionally, breaking slowly will give the vehicle behind you more notice of your actions. Braking last minute means that the person behind you must respond quickly.
Paying more attention to your surroundings and giving other vehicles lots of space is key for preventing rear-end collisions.
