New York drivers may want to hear what the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has to say about the four most common types of car accidents. They are front-impact, side-impact, rear-end and parking lot collisions. Drivers can usually prevent each one by following certain safety tips.
According to the IIHS, front-impact collisions made up 54% of all serious crashes in 2016. These can occur between two vehicles or between a vehicle and another object like a telephone pole or tree. Drivers can avoid them by reducing their speed on slippery roads, avoiding phone use and other distracting activities and having lane-keeping assist installed in their vehicle.
Side-impact collisions can occur when two cars running parallel in two different lanes hit each other (a sideswipe) or when two cars collide at an intersection (a “T-bone”). Twenty-five percent of all serious crashes are side-impact crashes. To avoid sideswipes, check the blind spot before changing lanes. To avoid T-bones, drivers should always look both ways at stop signs and traffic lights.
Rear-end collisions usually arise when drivers speed or tailgate. Motorists should avoid aggressive driving in heavy traffic and consider installing a forward-collision warning system. Parking lot collisions are almost always the result of one car hitting another that’s backing out. Drivers should check their surroundings before entering their vehicle.
If drivers fail to exercise reasonable care on the road, then they will be held liable for any motor vehicle collisions they cause. Occupants of other vehicles that are involved in the crash often suffer serious injuries that require lengthy periods of costly medical treatment. They might find it advisable to have an attorney’s help when seeking compensation for their losses.