On the Road to Safety: Car Crash Types and Prevention
Car accidents can happen due to several reasons, such as the negligence of drivers, vehicle malfunctioning or any other external factors. In some cases, they are unavoidable, whereas in other cases they can be prevented. Depending on the severity and damage they cause, there are different types of road accidents drivers should know about.
Let’s delve into further details about the different car accident types and how to avoid them.
Car Accident Types and How to Avoid Them
Below is a list of some of the most common types of car accidents and how to avoid them with necessary precautions.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. They are common and often result from sudden stops, distracted driving or tailgating. On a high-speed lane, rear-end collisions often result in multi-car accidents where three or more vehicles pile up.
How to Avoid Rear-End Collisions
Maintain a safe following distance and avoid tailgating to avoid rear-end collisions. Typically, there should be at least three seconds of following distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Backing Collision
Backing collisions happen when a vehicle moving in reverse strikes an object, another vehicle, or a pedestrian. These accidents often occur in parking lots or when reversing out of driveways. Since drivers usually reverse at a slow speed, backing collisions are often not as dangerous as accidents caused by speeding vehicles.
How to Avoid Backing Collision
Always check your mirrors and blind spots before reversing. Make sure your vehicle’s rearview camera is working. Once you’re ready, proceed slowly and cautiously. Be mindful of pedestrians or other obstacles that might be in one of the car blind spots.
Roll-over Accidents
Roll-over or flip-over accidents involve a vehicle tipping over onto its side or roof. Such types of motor vehicle accidents are often caused by high speed, sharp turns or side collisions with other vehicles. They are particularly dangerous, resulting in a petrifying experience for both drivers and passengers. That said, it is vital to stay calm to safely evacuate in a roll-over accident.
How to Avoid Roll-over accidents
Drivers should adhere to speed limits and exercise caution when taking sharp turns. Those driving vehicles with higher ground clearance, like SUVs and pickup trucks should be more careful. Vehicles that have a higher centre of gravity can be more at risk of flipovers. A car’s centre of gravity plays a very crucial role in ensuring performance and safety.
Head-on Collision
Head-on collisions stand out as one of the most dangerous types of car crashes. The force of impact is amplified by the combined speed of both vehicles heading towards each other. For instance, if both cars are travelling at a speed of 40km/h, their combined force of impact would be 80 km/h.
How to Avoid Head-on Collision
Always stay within your lane and follow speed limits. Make sure to have your car’s lane departure warning system activated. Pay close attention to road signs, especially on curves and blind spots. Avoid attempting to overtake a vehicle on a two-lane road unless necessary and safe to do so. These are some integral tips on how to avoid car accidents.
Parked Car Accidents
Parked car accidents are also very common. Several things can lead to them, such as limited visibility, driver’s misjudgement or negligence during parallel parking. Parked car damage can also be caused by a vehicle that is improperly parked.
How to Avoid Causing Parked Car Damage
Always double-check the vehicle surroundings before parking or opening your car door. The rear and side-view mirrors of the cars should be properly adjusted. There should be enough space between the parked vehicles for safe manoeuvring to enter or exit the parking spot. Besides, drivers should avoid these car parking mistakes to ensure the safety of their vehicles.
Single-vehicle Accidents
These are cases that involve collisions with fixed objects such as a fence, tree, or streetlight pole. While distracted driving is often blamed for single-vehicle accidents, driver attempts to avoid sudden road hazards can also be a contributing factor.
How to Avoid Single-Vehicle Accidents
Drivers should be aware of the modern car safety features that can reduce car accidents. Safety in cars has come a long way. Single-vehicle crashes can be avoided with the effective use of the driver’s fatigue detection system in modern cars. Besides, avoid lane swerving or sudden manoeuvring to drive safely. It is one of the key tips on how to avoid car accidents. In case of bad weather, consider delaying your trip and only get back on the road when it’s safe.
FAQs
What are the most common types of car accidents?
The following are the most common types of car collisions:
- Rear-end collision
- Backing collision
- Roll-over accident
- Head-on collision
- Parked car accident
- Single-vehicle accident
How can you prevent injuries in a car accident?
Whether you are the driver or a passenger, everyone in the car should wear a seat belt. Also, be aware of the car airbags and their deployment positioning to prevent various types of car accident injuries. However, always use these defensive driving techniques and try your best to steer clear of different types of accidents.
What are the different types of car accident fines in Dubai?
Unsafe driving habits in Dubai can lead to fines of up to AED 50,000, alongside vehicle confiscation and black points. To learn more about road accidents and traffic fines in Dubai, read here.
These were some common car accident types and how to avoid them. Alongside adhering to traffic regulations, follow all the day and night driving safety tips to be a responsible driver.
Whether you are buying a new or a used car for sale in the UAE, always take precautions. Be aware of the common causes of car accidents and how to avoid them. Moreover, before getting behind the wheel, learn about all the driving rules in the UAE to ensure road safety.
Keep reading dubizzle auto blogs to learn about more ways to prevent road accidents.