One of the most prevalent forms of automobile accidents in California is rear-end collisions. It is nearly always your fault if you hit a car from behind. Continue reading for five ideas on how to lessen your chances of getting involved in an accident like this. For a free legal consultation, contact DLC Law at (626) 285-8815 if you have been injured in an accident.
Keep your phone out of sight
You know you should avoid talking on your phone while driving, but the easiest way to do so is to keep your phone out of reach. Hearing a text notification or seeing your phone light up is enough to distract you, even if you set out with the best of intentions not to use your phone while driving. Keep it in your handbag or in the backseat of your car, with all alert noises turned off.
Don’t get too close to the car in front of you
Do not follow too closely behind. Allow at least a couple car widths between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you. For every 10 miles per hour you drive, you should keep one car length behind the vehicle in front of you. If you’re going 60 mph, for example, you’ll leave six car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. This substantially decreases the likelihood of colliding with the car in front of you if they suddenly stop.
Maintain a safe speed
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that the speed limit is the sole factor to consider when determining your speed. In ideal conditions, it is the maximum speed. If the weather is poor, the pavement is wet, or there is a lot of traffic, the safe speed limit may be lower than the official speed limit.
Keep your distance from the danger zone
Make sure you give enough of distance while stopping behind a car at a red light or a stop sign. If you don’t, and you’re struck from behind, you’ll be far more likely to strike the car in front of you. The danger zone is a region where you are likely to collide with the car in front of you if your vehicle is struck.
Slow down gradually and consciously
Of course, if you wish to prevent rear-end collisions, you need also be aware of what is going on behind you. When you come to a stop, do it gently so that the motorist behind you has the time to safely stop as well. If you slam on your brakes, you greatly increase your chances of being struck.
If you are involved in an accident and are injured, contact DLC Law at (626) 285-8815 to see how a personal injury attorney might be able to help you.