According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rear-end collisions account for 40 percent (2.5 million) of all automobile accidents in the United States. That means that someone crashes into the back end of another driver’s car once every eight seconds. That represents a lot of collision-related rear-end damage!
In most cases, insurance professionals assign blame to the driver who hits the car in front of him, since he has the last chance to stop and avoid an accident. But it sucks to be in a car crash no matter who is at fault! The good news is that you can take steps to reduce your risk of being involved in this type of crash:
How to Avoid a Rear-End Collision
- Allow sufficient space between your car and the vehicle directly in front of you.
No one likes a tailgater. But you might be surprised to learn that most of us tailgate as a matter of practice. This often causes a rear-end collision. DG Collision Center is located in Covina, California. The State of California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) recommends that drivers scan the road 10–15 seconds ahead to spot hazards early.“If a vehicle merges in front of you too closely, take your foot off the accelerator. This gives space between you and the vehicle ahead, without having to slam on your brakes or swerve into another lane. To avoid tailgating, use the ‘3 second rule”’: when the vehicle ahead of you passes a certain point, such as a sign, count ‘one-thousand-one, one-thousand- two, one-thousand-three.’ This takes approximately 3 seconds. If you pass the same point before you finish counting, you are following too closely.”
Make sure you allow plenty of space between your car and the vehicle you are following. - Don’t text while you’re behind the wheel.
An Automobile Club (AAA) poll revealed that 94 percent of teen drivers acknowledge the dangers of texting and driving, but 35% admitted to doing it anyway. And teenaged drivers are not alone. Adults also struggle with the temptation to check their phones while driving. They do this to their peril, as the average text sent or read in a car takes a driver’s eyes off the road for 5 seconds. This is more than sufficient time to result in a life-altering accident.
- Avoid other forms of distracted driving.
Smartphone use is not from the only distraction drivers encounter while behind the wheel. Americans admit to engaging in some of the following startling activities while they drive: applying makeup, checking email, eating, drinking, preparing food, changing clothes and reading books. Don’t do it. Keep your eyes on the wheel! - Never drive when you’re tired.
Drowsy driving is a major problem in the United States. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) reports that an estimated 1 in 25 adult drivers (aged 18 years or older) reported having fallen asleep while driving in the 30 days preceding the survey. Further, the NHSTA estimates that drowsy
Don’t drive when you’re tired. driving claimed 795 lives in 2017. The organization estimates 91,000 police-reported crashes that same year involved drowsy drivers.
- Drive defensively.
Constantly scan the road to assess conditions. This will prepare you to quickly respond in case someone does something stupid on the road. If you live here on Planet Earth, you have probably seen such an occurrence…once or twice. In sports and on the road, the best offense is a great defense.
If, despite all of your best efforts, you find yourself involved in a rear-end collision, never fear. The auto body specialists at DG Collision Center will work hard to efficiently get your vehicle back to pre-accident (or better) condition.
About DG Collision Center in Covina, California
The “go-to” location for auto body repair and classic restoration in the San Gabriel Valley. People in the area already know that DG Collision Center pays attention to detail, provides courteous service, and works for fair and affordable prices. If you select DGCC to repair your car, our concierge service will help make your entire auto body repair process easy on you. We will even help you arrange for a rental car and deal directly with your insurance company. DGCC is owned and operated by Dan Hansen, aka “Dan Gogh.” Come by the shop 781 E San Bernardino Road in Covina, contact us via email today, call (626) 445-6630 or visit DGCollisionCenter.com.