Holiday driving can be especially dangerous — thanks to an increase in traffic, drunk driving, and general poor decision-making. When you add in snowy, icy, wintery weather conditions in December and January, the potential for holiday accidents greatly increases.
However, there are several safe driving steps you can take to decrease the likelihood of becoming a part of these harrowing statistics. And the family at Badell’s Collision has you covered! Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of vehicle accidents as well as simple safe driving tips you can use to stay safe this holiday season and beyond.
Rear-End Collisions Are the Most Common Type of Accident
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), 29% of all vehicle crashes are rear-end collisions. As the name suggests, a rear-end collision is when one vehicle collides with the back end of another. These types of vehicle accidents tend to happen during heavier traffic and may end up involving multiple vehicles. Situations that contribute to rear-end collisions include:
- Panic stops
- Tailgating
- Inattentive drivers
- Distracted driving
In fact, the NHTSA also reports a whopping 87% of rear-end collisions occur because of distracted driving activities, such as interacting with passengers, eating, and — of course — texting.
Defensive Driving & Safe Driving Tips to Help Avoid Rear-End Collisions
Because a large number of rear-end collisions are directly related to distracted driving, it’s imperative to focus on the task at hand. If you need to make a call or send a text, it can wait. In addition, you can help reduce the likelihood of a rear-end collision by:
- Using your blinkers in advance of turning,
- Checking your mirrors often,
- Traveling at a safe, moderate speed, and
- Avoiding slamming on your brakes.
T-Bone Accidents Are Often Fatal
According to the NHTSA, around 8,000 people suffer fatal injuries each year because of T-bone collisions. Also called a side-impact accident, a T-bone collision occurs when the front of a vehicle crashes into the side of another vehicle. In most instances, T-bone accidents are caused when:
- A driver runs a stop sign,
- A driver fails to stop at a stoplight, or
- One driver fails to yield the right-of-way to another driver.
While not as prevalent as rear-end collisions, T-bone accidents are among the most horrific types of vehicle accidents.
Defensive Driving and Safe Driving Tips to Help Avoid a T-Bone Type of Accident
To reduce the likelihood of a T-bone accident, use the following safe driving tips:
- Never assume other motorists will obey traffic lights and stop signs.
- Approach crossways at moderate speed and pay special attention to other vehicles.
- Make sure you always obey all stop signs and traffic lights.
- When you approach a stop sign, you should come to a complete stop.
- Always exercise additional care at intersections that are managed only by stop signs.
Head-On Collisions Are a Common Type of Vehicle Accident
As an especially traumatic type of accident, a head-on collision occurs when two vehicles collide facing each other. Or a head-on collision can occur if your vehicle runs headfirst into a stationary object. These types of accidents have a high potential for causing significant injuries. When it comes to the prevalence of head-on collisions, an estimated 2% of vehicle accidents fit into this category.
Defensive Driving and Safe Driving Tips to Avoid a Head-on Collision
A few safe driving tips you can use to reduce the likelihood of a head-on collision include:
- Stay focused on the road and avoid any type of distractions.
- Make sure you obey the speed limit and all traffic signs.
- Pay special attention to other drivers.
- When passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction as you, you should use extra caution.
- Always swerve to the right to avoid a car accident. If you swerve to the left, it increases the likelihood that you will hit another vehicle head-on.
- If a collision is unavoidable, try a sideswipe the object or vehicle — instead of a direct hit.
Contact Badell’s Collision for Expert Auto Body Repair Solutions
Even when you use every safe driving practice and travel at a moderate speed, accidents can be unavoidable. And very simply, no one enjoys getting in an accident. Having to call the police, deal with insurance, and scheduling to have your vehicle repaired can be a logistical nightmare. Fortunately, the team at Badell’s Collision helps make the auto body and collision repair process as easy and streamlined as possible.
As a local, family-owned business with two state-of-the-art collision repair centers, we pride ourselves on offering transparency, honesty, quality workmanship, convenience, and a world-class experience at every turn. Our ultimate goal at Badell’s Collision is to remove the sting and hassle out of getting your vehicle repaired. To do so, we work and coordinate directly with your insurance company and will help ensure you understand your benefits. If you’ve recently been in a collision, the team at Badell’s Collision can get you back on the road.
Badell’s Wishes You a Safe Holiday Season
Stay safe out there and have a joyous holiday season!
