Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of crashes, so it is critical for drivers to take steps to reduce their risk. Below are a few precautions Oklahoma drivers should take:

1.      Stay Alert

In today’s world, people often multi-task while driving their vehicles. Whether they are talking on the phone, eating, drinking, putting on make-up, or changing the radio station, doing anything that takes your attention away from driving increases the chances of a rear-end collision occurring.

2.      Keep a Safe Following Distance

Maintaining a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you is critical because it gives you adequate time to react to traffic conditions, including stopping in time to avoid a rear-end accident. As a general rule, you should allow three seconds for you to stop. To determine the correct distance, select a fixed point on the road and ensure you pass it at least three seconds after the vehicle in front of you passes it.

3.      Do not Speed

While following the speed limit is always best, there are certain times you must adjust your speed for road conditions. Whether it is heavy traffic, weather, or other factors, adjusting your speed to be safe helps avoid collisions.

4.      Use Signals and Always Check Your Blind Spot

Being aware of vehicles that are behind you helps you recognize when a car is approaching too fast. Check your mirrors frequently and make adjustments, if possible, to avoid a wreck. When you are changing lanes or turning, be sure to turn your signal on to alert other drivers.

5.      Maintain Your Vehicle

Properly maintaining your vehicle is crucial to overall performance and safety, and ensuring that your tires and brakes function properly in an emergency can help you avoid wrecks. Ensuring that all the lights on your vehicle are working properly is critical in avoiding rear-end collisions. Having lights helps you be visible to other drivers at night or in fog or rain. Additionally, try to avoid sudden stops so the drivers behind you have plenty of time to react.

Who is Liable in Rear-End Collisions?

In the majority of rear-end collisions, the fault lies with the following vehicle. However, there are certain circumstances where the vehicle that is rear-ended is at fault. The following are a few examples:

• Slamming on Brakes: If the driver in the lead slams on the brakes without a valid reason, he or she shares fault for the collision. Abrupt braking when it is unexpected and leaves the trailing driver no reasonable opportunity to react can be persuasive evidence supporting the fault of the lead driver.
•  Backing Up into a Vehicle: If a driver reverses into a vehicle behind, the driver is typically held liable for the accident.
• Faulty Brake Lights: When the vehicle in front has faulty brake lights, and the trailing vehicle cannot tell when it is stopping, the lead driver may be liable for the collision.
• Negligent Lane Changes: If the lead driver is negligent when changing lanes and cuts off the following vehicle, the lead driver is responsible for the collision.
• Impaired Driving: Any driver who is driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or other illegal substances can be held responsible for a collision.

If you are involved in a rear-end collision where the lead vehicle has liability, it is essential to seek the help of a personal injury attorney to ensure you are not wrongly blamed.

Contact Auto Accident Attorneys Who Care

If you have been involved in an automobile accident that was caused by the negligence of another driver, it is important to have effective attorney representation. At Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle, our auto accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys have been representing injured victims of automobile accidents and insurance disputes for over 60 years. Call Babbit, Mitchell & Ogle in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at (405) 692-7676 to schedule a FREE consultation