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3 Types of Auto Collisions and How to Avoid Them

websitebuilder • Oct 18, 2018

Some types of car accidents happen more often than others, and understanding these types of auto collisions can help you prevent them. Learn about the three most common types of accidents and what you can do to avoid them.

Auto Collisions — Read and Head Collision in Raleigh, NC

1. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions account for approximately a quarter of car accidents. These collisions typically occur when one vehicle follows another vehicle too closely. For most drivers, all it takes is a single moment of distraction for them to accidentally hit the back of another car.

Avoiding Rear End Collisions

The best way to prevent rear-end collisions is to minimize driving distractions. Consider doing the following:

Keep your phone or other devices away from your reach.
Make changes to your comfort and entertainment settings before driving.
Avoid tailgating at any time.

Always pay attention to the distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Drivers in front of vehicles should show care as well. However, in most cases, blame for a rear-end collision falls on the rear driver.

2. Side-Impact or T-Bone Collisions

Side-impact collisions occur when a car hits another from the side. When a car runs a light or a stop sign at an intersection, a side-impact collision can happen. Accidents of this nature also occur when one driver does not respect another driver's right of way on the road. These types of collisions are common and potentially fatal.

Avoiding Side-Impact Collisions

To avoid a side-impact collision, make sure you pay attention to the road and follow all traffic laws. When driving:

Look both ways, even when you have the right of way.
Know when other vehicles have the right of way.
Do not try to beat yellow lights.

Choosing vehicles with side airbags can help protect people in the car if a side-impact collision does occur.

3. Head-On Collisions

A head-on collision can occur when two cars crash directly into each other. These collisions aren't always between vehicles - you can drive into a stationary object or an animal as well. Head-on, or front-impact collisions account for the majority of car accidents.

Any number of factors can contribute to a head-on collision:

Inattention
Hazardous driving conditions
Loss of vehicle control
Another driver's negligence

Each cause of a head-on collision can represent a collision category unto itself. Nevertheless, some general advice can help you avoid many of these types of accidents.

Avoiding Head-On Collisions

To avoid a head-on collision, you must pay close attention to the road and the road's signs. You also must practice diligence when it comes to driving on slippery or damaged roads. Many head-on crashes occur because someone isn't paying attention.

If you keep an eye out on the things around you, the odds of such an accident decrease dramatically. For example, many places post signs concerning wildlife. If a sign suggests that you slow down, then slow down.

When driving at night, make sure that you show even more care. Defensive, safe driving can allow you to see perils before they become large problems.

These three common types of collision are only a small part of all auto-accident causes. In all cases, you have a lot of power over protecting yourself, your vehicles, and your passengers while on the road.

You can mitigate the possibility of a crash, but collisions can still occur. When you're in an accident, first see to your medical needs. After that, you'll want your car back in shape and looking good.

At Coats Auto Body & Paint, we can take care of the damage to your vehicle and its paint after a collision. Contact us when you need professional auto body repairs.

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