Avoiding Rear-End Collisions

September 01, 2011

Avoiding Rear-End Collisions

There are more than 12 million automobile accidents in the United States every year. Rear-end collisions are the most common, resulting in approximately 3 million injuries annually. Despite the fact that most rear-end collisions involve low impact and slow speeds, the injuries caused can be severe.

There are a variety of injuries that can be caused by rear-end collisions, including neck, back, and shoulder injuries, but whiplash is one of the most common. Whiplash occurs when the car hit in the collision is pushed forward and causes the back of the seat to force the person's torso forward, while the person's head remains fixed. The result can be anything from mild muscle strain to nerve damage, neck ligament ruptures or cervical vertebrae fractures.

Whiplash can cause pain and a decrease in the ability to move the head and neck, as well as headaches and dizziness. Some symptoms may go away after a short while, but others may be long-lasting. Symptoms that linger may be caused by nerve damage, while pain that lasts only a short time is suspected to be caused by less severe strains or sprains.

Whiplash is not the only injury that may be caused by rear-end collisions, however. Herniated discs, back injuries, torn rotator cuffs, and contusions, including bone contusions, are not uncommon.

The good news is that rear-end collisions, while the most common, are preventable. Staying alert while driving is one way to avoid being hit. Keeping your eye on the traffic behind you and signaling before changing lanes can help. If someone is following too closely, carefully change lanes and let them pass. Also, try to avoid other drivers' blind spots. Finally, make sure your car is maintained and your brake lights are working so that the drivers behind you are aware when you are stopping.

To avoid rear-ending someone else, keep focused on the drivers ahead of you as well as the road ahead that may cause the driver in front of you to suddenly slow down or stop. Don't allow yourself to become distracted by using a cell phone, texting, or doing anything else that adds to the amount of time it will take you to react. Also be sure not to follow too closely and to watch for brake lights on the car in front of you.

Following a few simple safety tips may help you avoid becoming one of the millions involved each year in rear-end collisions.

Article provided by Dobbs & Baker, Attorneys at Law
Visit us at http://www.dobbsandbakerlaw.com