Driving is one of the most dangerous activities that the average person does on a daily basis. It is important to have an understanding of how accidents occur in order to avoid them. Listed below are some of the most common types of accidents and how they happen.
Head On
The most lethal type of traffic accident is a head on collision. A head on collision combines the forces of both vehicles, doubling the damage done in a scenario of a rear end collision. When the speeds of both vehicles are great, such as on the highway, the chances of all occupants surviving is slim. Head on collisions can occur when one vehicle slides out in a corner from ice or excessive speed; from falling asleep behind the wheel; from drinking and driving; and from texting or using an electronic device. According to Automotive Fleet, 40 percent of all collisions involve a cell phone. In all of these scenarios, one or more drivers will be held liable on account of their negligent driving behaviors. If you were the victim of a head on collision that resulted from a drunk or distracted driver, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries.
Side Impact
Side impact collisions, while less fatal than front end collisions, are often very dangerous for the occupants of the T-boned vehicle. A side impact collision is a likely scenario in an intersection, while pulling out of a parking lot or driveway, or while changing lanes. Side impact collisions can be avoided by always allowing more room for error than you believe is necessary when pulling out into traffic; by using turn signals and changing lanes slowly instead of erratically; and by paying close attention when passing through or approaching intersections. If you are the first vehicle waiting at a red light, it is good practice to look both ways when the light turns green to make sure there isn’t a driver speeding through in an attempt to make it through the intersection at the last second.
Rear Enders
There are 1.7 million rear end collisions every year, reported by the Washington Post. Of those, 1,700 people die and 500,000 are injured. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 80 percent of those deaths and injuries could be prevented if collision avoidance systems came standard in every car. Until that day comes, drivers will have to continue staying vigilant by allowing enough space between their vehicle and the vehicle in front, by keeping their heads up at the road and off their phones, and from minimizing other distractions that keep them from scanning the road ahead.
Rollovers
Rollovers are one of the least likely scenarios of a traffic accident. Although, rollovers are one of the most lethal types of collision. The speed of the vehicle must be great in order for a rollover to occur. In the majority of rollover cases, the driver was speeding. Rollovers can also happen due to poor weather and the driver’s unfamiliarity with the area.
Collisions with Pedestrians and Cyclists
The majority of collisions with cyclists and pedestrians are the fault of the driver. Due to distraction and impatience, drivers often fail to see or fail to yield the right of way to those on foot or on bike. Furthermore, pedestrians and cyclists are almost always the only party that gets injured in a collision with a motor vehicle. If you or a loved one was hit by another vehicle and injured through no fault of your own, it is critical that you call an experienced Cincinnati, Ohio car accident attorney today at the law offices of the Ohio Car Accident Lawyers .
