03 Jan Tips for Avoiding Rear End Collisions
A rear end collision can cause major damage to your vehicle as well as injuries to you and your passengers. While you can’t always prevent a rear-end collision, there are defensive tactics you can use to reduce your risk of this type of accident. Here are five tips to avoid being rear-ended by another vehicle:
Always Be Aware of Your Blind Spots
Always be aware of your blind spots while driving and have a plan for compensating for areas you can’t see clearly. Use your rearview mirror, side mirror, and cameras (if your vehicle is equipped with them) to check your blind spots to the side of you and behind you to see what other vehicles are doing.
Pay Attention to What is Happening Around You
Don’t drive distracted. Pay attention to what is happening around you so that you have time to react without needing to slam on your brakes. Watch for brake lights on vehicles ahead of you so that you know if they are flowing down or stopping. Look for merge or yield signs, detour signs, four-way stops, and other signs and traffic signals that may require drivers to make sudden decisions.
Always Use Your Turn Signal
Use your turn signal as early as possible to warn other drivers of your intentions. Your turn signal should indicate the move you plan to make within the next few moments, so that drivers behind you can anticipate your switching lanes, slowing down, or stopping.
Don’t Get Boxed In
Getting boxed in means that you don’t have an escape route if something unexpected happens. Make sure that you always have space to maneuver around an unexpected obstacle or avoid a collision or hazard by changing lanes or applying your brakes. Keep the appropriate following distance between yourself and the car in front of you, and make sure you always have an escape route should you need to get out of your lane suddenly.
Get Away from Drivers Who are Tailgating
If someone behind you keeps rushing up behind your car, laying on their horn, or trying to get around you, pull over to the side of the road or turn into a parking lot to let them pass. People who drive aggressively do not act reasonably and can cause an accident that affects you and everyone else on the road. It’s better to get away from them than give into their bullying tactics.
If you are rear-ended, bring your vehicle into National Auto Collision Centers for repair. Follow our accident checklist to determine what your next steps should be and let us negotiate with your insurance company for you. We offer major and minor collision repair in Tucson, AZ and will help you work with your insurance company to get coverage for repairs. We also help with car rentals or can offer you a loaner vehicle. To learn more or schedule an appointment, call our Valencia Road location at (520) 889-2536 or contact us online.