The roads in South Dakota can be hazardous at the best of times. Unfortunately, collisions do occur. Rear-end crashes are particularly common. These have the potential to be catastrophic.
As a result, it is beneficial to examine some of the most common causes of this type of accident. Doing so could just help prevent an accident. Outlined below are five of the most frequent causes of rear-end collisions:
Tailgating
Tailgating essentially amounts to driving too close to the car in front of you. It is highly advisable not to do this because it gives you less time to react if a collision occurs.
Often, people are under pressure to arrive at their destination by a certain time. This can lead to frustration, which is a common cause of tailgating. Consequently, staying calm when driving can be an effective way to avoid tailgating.
Speeding
Speeding is another frequent cause of rear-end collisions. Managing speed effectively and obeying traffic laws at all times can reduce the likelihood of accidents.
Vehicle faults
Poorly maintained vehicles have been known to cause rear-end collisions. For example, brakes that have not been thoroughly checked could fail, leading to a rear-ended accident.
Driver distractions
It may be tempting to check your cellphone for messages on the road. However, this should be avoided at all costs. One momentary lapse in attention could result in a catastrophic accident. Other forms of distracted driving including eating, drinking and changing the radio station while driving.
Human error
Humans are not immune from making errors while driving. Something simple such as pressing the gas instead of the brake can result in a crash.
Knowing the common causes of rear-end collisions could help to prevent it from happening to you. If you have been involved in an accident, then there are legal rights and protections available to you.