07 Feb Common Causes of Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of car accidents. They occur when one driver’s car strikes the rear of the car ahead of it. In most cases, insurance companies (and the court system) generally determine that liability rests with the driver of the car that struck the forward car.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a top cause of rear-end collisions. Despite widespread knowledge about the dangers of using one’s smartphone while driving (and in spite of laws prohibiting it), many drivers continue to text and chat while behind the wheel. However, it isn’t just smartphones that cause distracted driving. Drivers may be distracted by any of the following activities:
Looking at car accidents or billboards
Paying attention to fellow passengers, such as misbehaving children in the backseat
Changing the radio station
Eating, drinking, or doing personal hygiene tasks while driving
In some cases, drivers may simply allow their thoughts to wander. Whenever attention is taken off the road, there is the potential for a rear-end collision to occur.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another major cause of rear-end collisions. Reckless driving behaviors include speeding, and failing to obey traffic signals and signs. Often, in the case of rear-end collisions, drivers follow the leading vehicle too closely. As a rule, drivers should always leave at least one car length of space for every 10 miles per hour (mph) between their car and the leading car. A car traveling at 50 mph should leave at least five car lengths of space.
Fatigued Driving
Millions of Americans have sleep disorders, and many of those individuals drive. This is frightening for anyone else who shares the road with them. Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. A fatigued driver may be unable to stop in time when the leading car brakes, causing a rear-end collision.
No matter which type of accident you’ve had or what caused it, you can find the expert auto collision repair services you need in Tucson. The experienced technicians at National Auto Collision Centers can transform your car back to its pre-accident condition and appearance! Call our Broadway Boulevard body shop at (520) 760-5536 to request an appointment.