Rear end collisions are one of the major causes of car wrecks. We can reduce the number of rear end collisions by the simple rule of keeping a safe following distance at all times.
Rear end collisions are usually caused by one of three factors they are:
1. Tailgating — following too close.
2. Inattention — not being alert.
3. Poor judgment — not following safety rules
There are four ways to prevent rear end collisions and they all depend upon following established safety procedures. That’s up to you.
First, don’t tailgate and keep a safe driving distance at all times. Some suggest one car length of safety distance for every 10 mph. Another method of keeping a safe distance is to allow 3 seconds of travel time between you and the car in front of you. In this instance, use a marker on the roadway to count the 3 seconds.
Second, is to keep a safe stopping distance. Stopping distance is directly related to the type of vehicle you are driving. Generally, the more the vehicle weights the longer the stopping distance. 18-wheelers take more time to stop than a passenger car or pickup truck.
Third, stay alert. If you drive for longer to time, pull over take a break, stop for refreshment. The extra effort you take toward staying alert can save your life.
Finally, use good judgment. Experts suggest using The IPDE method.
I.P.D.E. is an acronym for identify, predict, decide and execute.
Identify — you identify the possible hazard such as a car tailgating you.
Predict — you predict what may happen because of the car tailgating you.
Decide — make a decision on what you’re going to do to avoid the hazard. (Like changing lanes to let the car pass you).
Execute — do what you decided (such as changing lanes to let the car pass).
Driving defensively requires that you consider not only your stopping distance but also consider those vehicles following you.
To speak with a Houston car accident lawyer call the Baumgartner Law Firm for a no obligation consultation on a car accident injury.
