Auto collisions can seem unavoidable and random. However, you can take steps to reduce the likelihood of an accident and keep yourself and your vehicle safe. Our collision centers are here to help you stay safe on the roads, and in the event of an accident, we can return your vehicle to its pre-collision condition.
Learn more about how to avoid accidents and how our team can help.
Preventing Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are the most common type of collision, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It could be that you hit the vehicle in front of you or a driver behind you hits your vehicle. Either way, these accidents can often be avoided by following these tips:
- Avoid Distracted Driving: It can be easy to forget that the difference between a collision and not can come down to reacting as quickly as possible. Even taking your eyes off the road to eat something or find your phone can increase your chances of a rear-end collision.
- Maintain a Safe Distance: Keeping your distance from the vehicle you are following will help you have enough time to stop safely. The rule of thumb is to stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you, adding additional seconds for factors like poor driving conditions or towing.
- Avoid Distraction: Keeping your eyes on the road can make all the difference in reacting in time to avoid a collision. Looking at a text message or fiddling with food can reduce your reaction timing when collisions can occur in a second or less.
- Drive Strategically: You can help avoid rear-end collisions by watching for opportunities that don't include suddenly using your brakes.
- Avoid Drowsy Driving: You are more likely to get into an accident if you are sleepy or under the influence. Take a break from driving or take measures to keep yourself attentive if you notice drowsiness.
Collisions at Intersections
Intersections are one of the most common places where collisions occur. It's common to see drivers drive in the wrong lane, tailgate through red lights, and turn when other vehicles have the right of way. You can practice defensive driving to help reduce the risk of a collision. We recommend you drive cautiously when approaching a yellow light and take a beat after the light turns green to watch for any vehicles running the light.
Single-Vehicle Accidents
Drivers are at risk of a collision even when driving alone on the road. With everything from animals to challenging road conditions, there are plenty of driving dangers. Some ways to prevent single-vehicle accidents include:
- Always Pay Attention: Even without a vehicle ahead of you, you can never be sure when conditions will change. Making a phone call or eating while driving can be enough of a distraction to miss an animal walking into the road or unexpected road debris.
- Maintain a Safe Speed: Approximately one-third of all motor vehicle accident fatalities in more than two decades have including speeding. Speeding is dangerous even if there are no other vehicles around, and you can reduce the likelihood of an accident by giving yourself more time to react by driving at or under the speed limit.
- Drive Accordingly for the Weather: Driving the same way all year round can put you in a dangerous position as the weather changes. Be sure to become familiar with how to avoid hydroplaning and maintain control during snowy or icy weather.
Visit Our Collision Centers
If you have been in a collision, you can count on a streamlined collision repair process at one of our collision centers.