Tailgating Causes Serious Rear End Collisions Across the U.S.
As highly experienced car accident attorneys, we are well aware that rear-end collisions are a leading cause of injuries to drivers across the United States. Without a doubt, these types of crashes are often very serious, and typically involve injuries to the neck (i.e. whiplash), spine, brain and other sensitive parts of the body. Unfortunately, rear-end collisions sometimes cause death to its victims, especially at high speeds where the offending driver cannot slow down in enough time to avoid striking the vehicle right in front of them. At any speed however, tailgating is dangerous and creates serious risks to all drivers and passengers involved.
Overall, the main cause of rear-end collisions is rather straightforward. When drivers fail to maintain a reasonable distance from the car in front of them, they vastly reduce their ability to react if the other driver, for whatever reason, needs to apply their brakes. Oftentimes, tailgating victims notice that they are being followed too closely by the car behind them, yet they are unable to predict or control the other driver’s actions.
According to nationwide accident statistics, over 2 million rear end collisions are reported each year, making them the most common type of automobile accident in the U.S. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that nearly 30% of all accidents involve rear-end collisions.
What then are the steps you can take to prevent a rear-end collision?
- Always maintain a safe distance from other drivers. The main reason why rear end collisions occur is due to drivers who for whatever reason, follow another vehicle too close. Hence, if you stay at least the length of a car and a half away from the driver in front of you, you are less likely to be involved in a rear end collision.
- If someone is tailgating you, you do not have to tolerate it. Pull over and allow the offender pass you. While letting them “win” so to speak can be frustrating, it often means the difference between life and death.
- If possible, write down the license plate number and the make and model of the tailgating offender’s vehicle. If you see a police officer, alert them that you are being tailgated and be ready to provide said information in the event that the tailgater takes off in a different direction. With the aforementioned information, you can also file a police report as a result of the wrongdoer’s dangerous behavior.
- Talk to your teenage drivers about the dangers of tailgating. Teenage drivers cause thousands of auto accidents each year across the United States. By simply talking to your kids about safe driving, or even enrolling them in a driver safety course, it will reduce the likelihood that they will tailgate others (and engage in other dangerous driver behaviors).
Contact Lundy Law Now to Learn More about Your Rights!
If you were injured in a car, truck or motorcycle accident, it is important to seek qualified legal help as soon as possible. The New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware accident attorneys at Lundy Law are highly experienced at handling all types of vehicular accidents. Call us today at 1-800-LundyLaw. We look forward to fighting for your rights, and helping you obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us now to learn more about how we can make a difference in your case!
