Rear-end collisions are a very common type of crash. Drivers in Missouri can end up struck from behind in traffic and could suffer a variety of injuries, ranging from whiplash to spinal cord injuries because of a rear-end collision.
Given that they are so common, some people believe that rear-end collisions are inevitable during times of heavy traffic or bad weather. However, the vast majority of rear-end collisions, as with all other types of collisions, are preventable if people engage in safe driving practices. The following are the main ways that people contribute to rear-end collisions.
Driving too fast
Some rear-end collisions occur because one driver overtakes another in traffic. This is often an issue when the driver going too fast does not fully focus their attention on the road ahead. A combination of excess speed and distraction might lead to one motorist striking another from behind even though both vehicles are still in motion.
Failing to maintain proper following distances
To safely share the road with other vehicles, drivers need to maintain enough space between their vehicles and others. Those who get too close to the rear end of another vehicle in traffic may not be able to stop in time if that vehicle slows down or stops. The common habit of tailgating is an example of this particular safety concern. One driver gets too close to the other and fails to maintain a reasonable stopping distance. Inadequate following distances are a leading cause of rear-end crashes and the reason that the courts often determine that the driver of the rear vehicle is to blame for the crash.
Trying to merge improperly
When merging into another lane of traffic, drivers need to pay attention to their surroundings. They need to leave enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in the lane they intend to enter. They also need to maintain an appropriate speed. Unfortunately, improper merging can cause rear-end collisions, as can turning at an intersection with another vehicle approaching rapidly. Improper merges and turns are most likely situations in which the driver in the front vehicle would technically be to blame for the crash.
Ultimately, making safety a top priority by eliminating unsafe driving habits can significantly reduce someone’s chances of causing a rear-end collision in Missouri.