Causes of Head-On Collisions and How to Prevent One
When you consider the variety of car accidents that transpire across our country, you can easily argue that one of the most terrifying by far is the head-on collision. In many cases, a distracted, intoxicated, or reckless driver will plow into the side or back of a vehicle, but imagine the fear of looking up to see a pair of headlights streaking right at you. While these are certainly not as common, head-on collisions are still terrifying.
Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes of this uncommon but deadly type of accident and see how you can prevent yourself from falling victim to one.
What Causes Head-On Collisions?
While a variety of factors can trigger these deadly accidents, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles indicates that human error (cataloged as 78% of cases) is the most common cause of these deadly crashes:
- Distracted driving: 19.1% of cases
- Following at an unsafe distance (tailgating): 17.4%
- Failure to provide the right of way: 15.7%
- Speeding: 10.9%
On that note, the NY DMV also reports that 28,571 reported accidents were caused by speeding, with 280 of these incidences proving fatal. A staggering 97.5% of cases of speeding-related accidents were related to road rage, while 9.7% were caused by tailgating.
Injuries Caused by Head-On Collisions
Even if the airbag successfully deploys, the force of a head-on collision can jam the driver’s head into the steering wheel or the top of the dashboard, resulting in potential trauma to the face, head, and neck. Here are some of the most common injuries associated with these crashes:
- Blunt force trauma
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations
- Whiplash
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal cord injury
Staying Safe on the Roadways
So how can you protect yourself from one of the dangerous collisions?
Above all else, be aware of your surroundings, such as additions to a roadway or construction sites, or even uneven portions of asphalt and sidewalk. If it is rainy or stormy, drive a little below the speed limit, and always be observant.
Seeking a Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
Sometimes, in the blink of an eye, a simple drive down the road can turn into a fight for your life or the life of your loved one. In a flash, you and those you care about can become victims of deadly head-on collisions and will have to reap the consequences, which can include hefty medical bills and an overloading cost of vehicle damages.
Although this might be difficult, though, you must remain calm. With the assistance of a lawyer who is experienced with personal injury cases, you can gather viable resources to create a strong case in court.
We at Gattuso & Ciotoli have more than 50 years of combined legal experience and deliver some of the most high-quality legal services to victims of slip and fall accidents in and around Syracuse, New York. We value your perspective on your case and your goals for the future and ready to help you receive the justice you deserve. For more information on our four practice areas or your legal matter, contact us at (315) 314-8000 today.