Rear-end collisions can do more than just damage your car—they can lead to whiplash that injures the muscles, bones, and joints of your neck, shoulders, and spine. Here are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of being caught in a rear-end collision:
Give yourself plenty of room – Always keep at least two car-lengths between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you. When on the highway, increase that distance significantly. You need to have enough time to react and room to come to a stop in case of an accident or emergency.
Check your mirrors – Keep an eye on your rear-view mirrors to see if the driver behind you is getting too close. If so, pull over and let them pass you up. The last thing you want is to get rear-ended because some impatient driver was tail-gating you.
Watch the road far ahead – Don’t just keep an eye on the rear of the vehicle directly in front of you; occasionally glance as far up the road as you can see. This will help you to spot any traffic jams or slow-downs before you have to slam on the brakes.
Don’t get distracted – Texting, talking on the phone, fiddling with the radio, or even talking to a passenger can distract you from driving. Stay focused on what you’re doing at all times, and keep your eyes firmly on the road.
Watch for speeding vehicles – If someone is speeding up behind you, do everything you can to get out of their way. Let them pass you, even if it means you have to pull into a slower lane. Better to go slower than to get in an accident!
Slow gradually – Don’t make the mistake of rushing toward the stop sign or red light and grinding to a halt. Not only will this increase your risk of collisions, but it’s terrible for your brakes and tires. Slow and speed up gradually, as that will give the driver behind you time to react.
Stop with plenty of space – Leave a vehicle length or so between you and the car ahead at the stop light or stop sign. This will give you a chance to get out of the way in case of a barreling or charging vehicle speeding up behind you.
Keep your brake lights in good condition – A busted brake light can be a serious hazard, as the driver behind you is relying on your brake lights to let them know that you are slowing down. Make sure your brake lights are working properly at all times!
The truth is that most rear-end collisions can be avoided with a bit of safe, smart driving. The tips above will help you to make the right choice on the road.
If you find yourself in a rear-end collision, let Network Auto Body help restore your vehicle and get you back on the road as quickly as possible. At Network Auto Body, we do everything we can to keep you safe!