Rear-end collisions are among the most common crashes that occur in the U.S. When one vehicle strikes another from behind, the people in either vehicle could sustain injuries. The vehicles themselves likely also suffer significant damage.
Rear-end collisions can cause brain injuries, broken bones, soft tissue injuries, spinal cord injuries and totaled vehicles. Drivers who learn about common crash causes can take steps to enhance their own traffic safety.
What are the leading causes of rear-end collisions?
1. Distracted driving
People looking down at their phones may not notice when the drivers in front of them slow down or suddenly stop. People focused on their phones instead of on road conditions have increased reaction times and may completely fail to notice changing traffic conditions.
2. Tailgating
Leaving adequate space between vehicles is critical for traffic safety. Unfortunately, some aggressive drivers get far too close to others in traffic. Failing to leave enough space between vehicles may leave a motorist incapable of stopping or slowing when traffic conditions abruptly change.
3. Failing to communicate
Sometimes, rear-end crashes occur because drivers turn or merge without using their signals first. The people operating vehicles near them have no way to predict their behavior and can cause crashes because they do not slow down or leave more space.
Occasionally, communication-related rear-end crashes are the result of insufficient vehicle maintenance. If brake lights or turn signals don’t work, other drivers may not have any advance warning of a motorist’s intention to slow down, turn or stop.
Either driver could potentially be to blame for a rear-end crash. Establishing who was at fault and why is critical for those hoping to pursue compensation after a motor vehicle collision.