In an ideal world, the roads would be completely safe and people would be able to drive around from place to place without any risks or worries at all. Unfortunately, in the real world, accidents happen all the time. Millions of them occur every single year in the United States alone, leading to many injuries and life-changing effects for those involved, and also causing a lot of loss and tragedy too.
There are many possible causes of car accidents, from speeding and reckless driving to distracted driving or bad weather conditions, and we can also classify car accidents into different types, too. Common terms for auto accidents that you might have heard include “rear-end collision” or “side swipe”. This guide will look at some of the common types of accidents and what they involve.
Rear-End
Statistically, rear-end collisions are the most common variety of auto accidents in the United States. This type of accident occurs when the front of one car collides with the back of another. Usually, the car at the back of a rear-end collision suffers the most damage, with common injuries including whiplash, concussion, and broken bones.
People in the front vehicle can also suffer serious injuries and even death, in some cases, when rear-end collisions occur, and there can be various potential causes of this kind of accident. They commonly occur due to tailgating, which is when one driver is driving too close to the back of the car in front, failing to maintain a safe driving distance.
If you tailgate, you give yourself less time and space to slow down and stop if the car in front suddenly comes to a halt, so it’s important to avoid this kind of behavior on the roads. Rear-end collisions can also occur during busy periods on the roads, like rush hour when cars tend to be bunched up close together, or they may happen because of a driver getting distracted by their phone or something else.
Side Swipe/Glancing Blow
Sideswipe collisions are another common variety of auto accidents. They can also be known under the terms “side impact” or “glancing blow collision”. This type of auto accident involves one car colliding with the side of another vehicle at a slight angle, and it can cause serious damages and injuries for both vehicles, as well as possibly involving other vehicles around them.
When side swipe collisions occur, both drivers involved tend to lose control of their vehicles and can be sent wildly off course, potentially entering other lanes, hitting other cars, or even being knocked off the road entirely. So it’s clear to see that this kind of auto accident can be one of the most dangerous and deadly.
Side swipe accidents often happen when one driver is trying to change lanes or make a turn and doesn’t use their mirrors or signals. So, when they pull out, they connect with another car beside them. These accidents, like many others, can also occur when a driver gets distracted and then starts to veer out of their lane without noticing. To avoid them, it’s important to stay focused and always use mirrors and signals when turning.
T-Bone/Right Angle
A T-Bone collision, otherwise known as a right angle or “broad impact” collision, is also one in which a vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. However, unlike a side swipe collision, a T-bone involves the vehicles connecting at a right angle, forming a T-shape as one car drives right into the side of the other.
These accidents can be highly devastating for all involved, especially those in the car that gets hit, as cars have less protection on the sides to absorb the impact. This means that the vehicle in question can suffer major chassis and interior damage, and the people inside may be seriously injured or even killed. The people in the second vehicle are also likely to suffer serious injuries.
How do T-Bone accidents happen? Well, the most common location for these kinds of accidents is at intersections with traffic lights or stop signs. If a car drives out one way while another vehicle is driving through the intersection in front of them, the two cars may collide at a right angle. Again, distracted driving may be to blame here, as well as reckless driving.
Head-On
Less common than many of the other accident varieties on this list, but still extremely dangerous and deadly, the head-on collision occurs when two vehicles collide headfirst, with both drivers essentially facing one another. This kind of accident can lead to terrible injuries as the sudden impact can cause drivers and passengers to be flung forward, even going through the windshield in some cases.
Head-on collisions are rare but may occur if a car is driving on the wrong side of the road. This may happen due to a driver being under the influence of drugs or alcohol, for example, or getting distracted and veering out of their lane. A head-on crash may also occur if a driver has fallen asleep at the wheel, or due to slips on icy roads.
In order to avoid these kinds of collisions, drivers are encouraged to always keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, avoiding any distractions and never driving while drunk, under the influence of other substances, or excessively tired. Taking breaks is important when driving at night too or when driving long distances.
Final Word
These kinds of accidents occur each and every day in the US and other parts of the world, leading to terrible injuries and loss of life for those involved. By being aware of these accidents and the dangers they involve, you can be more motivated and determined to avoid them. Make sure to drive safely, follow the rules of the road, never get behind the wheel while under the influence, and minimize distractions in your car too. With the right approach, you can vastly decrease your chances of having any of these types of auto accidents.