Rear-end accidents are often caused by the rear driver’s negligence. However, there are various steps that individuals can take to help prevent being rear-ended by others. The steps that we want to cover in this article are all forms of best driving practices as well as vehicle maintenance, and they can help prevent serious injuries and property damage.
What You See, Others May Not See
When you are operating on the roadway, you should practice defensive driving. This means remaining vigilant of your surroundings, particularly any hazards that may be coming up in front of you. However, keep in mind that hazards and potentially tricky situations that you see may not be visible to other drivers behind you. If you have to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a hazard, vehicles behind you may not be able to respond in time, which could lead to a rear-end collision.
Gently Apply Brakes During Normal Driving
Drivers should always apply their breaks as gently as possible. When coming to a stop sign, stop light, or even a yield situation, you should gently apply the brakes so that others behind you have enough time to react. Slamming on the brakes is a surefire way to increase the chances of a rear-end collision.
Always Use Turn Signals
Drivers should always use their turn signals. This includes when changing lanes, merging, and making a turn at a stop sign or stop light. Turn signals let other drivers know about your intentions on the roadway, and it gives them time to adjust their driving appropriately.
Regularly Check Brake Lights and Taillights
Drivers should always perform regular maintenance and inspection on their vehicles. This includes checking out tail lights and brake lights at least once a month to ensure that the bulbs are not burnt out and are still working. Often, individuals do not become aware of their break or tail lights being out until all of them are out, at which point they either find out because they are involved in a collision or because someone is nice enough to tell them. Do not wait for others to be nice enough. Check them yourself.
Avoid a “Boxed-In” Situation
Drivers should try to avoid situations where they are closed in on all sides with no easy way out of traffic if a challenging driving situation arises. If you find yourself where there is a vehicle directly in front of, behind, and on either side of you, try your best to change lanes or slow down so you can get free of the boxed-in situation.
Find an Escape Route
When practicing defensive driving, it is a good idea to always know the way out of any potentially messy situation on the roadway. When you become comfortable in your vehicle and on the roadway, you should always be able to find a way out of potential situations that could occur. For example, if you notice two vehicles in front of you operating in a reckless manner, you can begin planning which direction you should go in the event those vehicles collide with one another.
Check Your Mirrors
Your eyes should always be scanning your rearview and side view mirrors. This gives you a good idea of how many and what type of vehicles are behind you. Even though you may not be able to prevent all your end collisions, just being aware of your surroundings will go a long way in ensuring your safety.
If you have been in an accident and need legal representation, please reach out to a Philadelphia accident lawyer to learn more.