The Harmful Reality of Rear-End Crashes
When you are out on the road in Wisconsin, there are certain things you can control and certain things you cannot. A number of actions you take decrease your chances of getting hit from behind.
For some drivers, though, even when they are doing everything right, another driver is not paying attention and crashes into the rear-end of a vehicle. These crashes account for millions of dollars of property damage and thousands of personal injuries.
Actions you can take
An article by Automotive Fleet Magazine explains smart driving practices that help avoid rear-end crashes. The following tips cover a number of common situations that put drivers at risk:
- Do not drive super slow when a vehicle tailgates you
- Always keep a steady speed and use your turn signals
- Stop in a safe place when dropping off or picking up passengers
- Exercise caution and use a turn signal when parallel parking
- When possible, let faster traffic pass
The Wisconsin Department of Public Safety recommends drivers keep a safe distance from all vehicles. Safe driving can reduce the chance of a rear-end crash.
Statistics and Rear-End Crashes
A look at driving statistics and rear-end crashes reveals how common this type of accident is on roadways. According to information on Driving-Tests.org, rear-end collisions top the list of the most frequently occurring type of crashes. They accounted for 29% of crashes in the U.S. in 2017. Tailgating is implicated in about one-third of car crashes in a given year. The age of the driver is sometimes a factor in rear-end collisions, as teen drivers engage in speeding and in closer following distances than do older drivers.