Car accidents are a common occurrence on the roads today. They can happen at any time, anywhere and to anyone.
While some accidents may be minor, others can result in serious injuries and even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that in the first nine months of 2022, car accidents caused 31,785 fatalities. To stay safe, drivers should understand the most common types of car accidents and how they happen.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when a car hits the car in front of it. These accidents can happen for a variety of reasons, including distracted driving, tailgating and sudden stops. To prevent rear-end collisions, it is important to maintain a safe following distance. Drivers should also avoid using their phones, eating or doing anything else that could take their attention away from driving.
Side-impact crashes
Side-impact crashes, also known as T-bone collisions, occur when one car hits the side of another car. These accidents often happen when a car runs a red light, fails to yield or turns without checking for oncoming traffic.
Single-vehicle accidents
Single-vehicle accidents occur when a car crashes into an object, such as a tree or a guardrail. These accidents often happen because of distracted driving, speeding or driving under the influence.
Rollover accidents
Rollover accidents occur when a car flips over onto its side or roof. Speeding, overcorrecting or swerving can cause these accidents. Worn-out tires or brakes can also increase the risk of a rollover.
There are many ways that a car accident can happen, so drivers must remain vigilant at all times. With the right understanding of how things can go wrong, people can take preventative measures and make the roads safer.