It is common practice to assign blame for rear-end accident on the vehicle that was traveling behind the one that was struck unless there is proof to the contrary. However, there is no way to avoid the annoyance of being involved in a rear-end accident; this is true even if your vehicle was in front and the other driver was judged to be at fault. This is in addition to the possibility that you will have injuries.
Nobody wants to be in a position where they have to deal with insurance companies or fix the damage to their vehicle, and no one ever plans on being in that position. You are in luck since there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of getting rear-ended in the first place.
Use Signals Properly
Making use of your calls to communicate with the other drivers around you is something that should never be overlooked. When you use your turn signal, the other cars around will know that you are getting ready to make a turn. When you use your flashers, the other drivers around you will be aware that you are traveling below the speed limit or that you are having mechanical problems.
Anticipate
Driving defensively is one of the most delicate things you can do for yourself. It is essential to take charge of the situation and plan for what will occur before it does. For example, you must see if the vehicles in front of you are accelerating or decelerating. When you realize this, make sure to put your brakes on early so that the drivers behind you, who can’t see the cars in front of them, have enough time to come to a complete stop before you do.
Check the Lights Properly
Your vehicle’s turn signals, brake lights, and headlights contribute significantly to the overall level of safety that it exudes while being maneuvered. For this reason, it is essential to check and double-check that the lights are always operational.
Double-check Your Mirrors
If you don’t see an approaching automobile, there is no way for you to get out of the path. Because of this, you must check your mirrors regularly; in fact, the best practice is to do it once every eight seconds. This can assist you in identifying a possible accident and preventing it from occurring before it does so.
Always Have a Backup Plan
It is a good idea to try to predict what the motorist in front of you is going to do, but if there is no option for you to move out of the way, it won’t assist you very much. As a result, you must constantly plan an exit strategy and steer clear of getting cornered whenever possible.
For instance, if you look back over your shoulder and notice a large SUV barreling down the road behind you, and it appears as though they won’t be able to come to a stop in time, you must have a plan to move around them to prevent a collision from occurring.