Every year, about 1.25 million people die in a car accident. That averages out to above 3,000 deaths per day.
While you are probably used to seeing car accidents on your commute, did you know that there are all kinds of different accidents?
As a driver, having good knowledge of car accidents is crucial. Here are the most common types of car accidents and how to prevent them.
A Rollover
A rollover crash may be one of the scariest crashes you could be in.
These crashes are normally violent, and they can be caused by all kinds of different factors. Some of the factors that go into this crash may include:
- Speed
- Alcohol consumption
- Environmental factors (such as weather)
- Location
- The road
- Driver
A rollover crash can happen from either a driver on their own, or it may be caused by another crash that involves other drivers as well.
This crash occurs when a vehicle flips over and lands on either its side or the roof of the car. If your car has a higher center of gravity, like a Jeep or SUV, you may be more prone to a rollover crash.
These crashes normally happen when a vehicle turns at a high speed and then flips over. However, you may also end up being hit by another car which can cause you to roll over as well.
These accidents can be incredibly dangerous because they can damage your spinal cord and cause some brain trauma.
Side-Impact
Another type of collision is a side-impact. This is normally called a “T-bone collision” or “broadside.”
These crashes normally happen when the side of a vehicle is hit. It can be hit by either the rear or the front of another car.
These crashes are normally found at intersections if someone runs a red light and runs into a car that had a green light. They can also happen commonly in parking lots too, especially if the drivers are not paying close attention.
The injuries from this type of collision, depending on which side of the car is hit and how hard. The side of the car normally doesn’t have as much structural protection as other parts of the car, so you and your passengers could sustain serious injuries from this type of crash.
Sideswipe
Sideswipe collisions also affect the side of the car.
Instead of another car running perpendicularly into your car, this accident happens when another car is parallel to yours. The damage normally isn’t too bad because the cars just “swipe each other.”
If the driver loses control during this type of crash, you may end up with more damage. However, the worst that could happen with this crash is some dents, damaged paint, or a missing side mirror.
Head-On
Unfortunately, head-on collisions aren’t as minor as a sideswipe.
These types of accidents happen when two vehicles run into each other with the front of their cars. These are normally fatal accidents, depending on the speed and safety of your car.
A lot of these crashes happen when drivers are going the wrong way or not paying attention to where they are driving. Make sure that you always pay attention to street signs and stay in your lane, especially if you are driving somewhere that has a lot of one-way roads.
These accidents can also happen if a driver accidentally drives over a median and heads into oncoming traffic. This typically happens if a driver is distracted, like looking at their phone, or if they are intoxicated.
With these accidents, it’s normally easy to figure out who was at fault because typically one of the drivers will have been going the wrong way.
If you are aware that there is a driver traveling the wrong way on the road you’re on, you should try and get off that road and find another route. If you can’t get off that road, slow down and make sure that you watch out for the wrong-way driver.
These accidents can be deadly, but they can also cause internal damage, dislocations, and concussions.
Rear-End
Rear-end crashes can also cause serious injuries depending on the force of impact and the speed at which the other car was traveling.
Rear-end accidents can be caused by being distracted, panicking and stopping, reduced traction, hydroplaning, and tailgating.
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries from this type of accident because it tends to throw the driver and its passengers forward, causing their neck to snap forward. If the rear-end doesn’t happen at a high speed, damages normally aren’t that bad.
Even if the accident isn’t that bad, you could still suffer from whiplash and have to visit a chiropractor or doctor to help alleviate some of the symptoms.
In these types of accidents, the car that rear-ends the other one is normally at fault.
Single Car
In addition to all those different types of accidents, there are also single-car collisions.
These are accidents such as cars running into mailboxes, fire hydrants, storefronts, or poles. Sometimes pedestrians or bicyclists may be hit as well.
The injuries from these types of accidents can vary depending on how severe the accident is.
Multiple Vehicles
Unlike single-vehicle collisions, multiple vehicles (also known as pile-ups) include at least three or more cars.
These accidents can cause traffic for hours, and they normally happen on freeways or highways.
These accidents can include rear-ends, head-ons, or side-impacts.
If you were involved in a serious car accident, click here to read more.
Avoid These Types of Car Accidents Today
These types of car accidents can be fatal sometimes, so it’s important to know how to avoid them.
You also want to make sure that you buy a car that will help keep you safe in an accident.
Make sure you read some of our other blog posts to learn more about car safety.