If you are like many other drivers in Wilmington, you have probably had a close call or two at Oleander and South College Road. And, if you haven’t actually had a car wreck yet, it is most likely only a matter of time before you become involved in a collision. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a car accident victim.
One of the best ways to avoid a car wreck is to understand some of the most common causes. Here are four common types of car accidents and ways you can avoid them.
Rear-end collisions
Rear-end crashes happen when one vehicle hits another from behind. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, almost 30% of all accidents are rear-end collisions. Most of these crashes happen because the at-fault driver was distracted. By staying alert and paying attention to your surroundings, you might be able to avoid becoming a victim of one of these drivers.
Accidents with parked cars
If you park your car in a parking lot to go shopping, there is not much you can do to avoid an accident if another driver backs into your car or sideswipes it. However, you can reduce your chances of being at fault for such a wreck by always being aware of your surroundings and the dimensions of your vehicle. One of the best ways to avoid becoming the victim or the perpetrator is to park your car further away, where other vehicles are not parked.
Hydroplaning
Have you ever driven just after it rains and hit an especially slick spot that made your vehicle slip and slide? Hydroplaning is a very common occurrence when the roads are wet or icy. When road conditions are less than optimal, the best thing you can do is to slow down and take your time.
Unfortunately, not everyone sees the need for this which means there could be other drivers on the road that continue to operate their vehicles over the speed limit. By driving more slowly, not only can you avoid hydroplaning, but it will give you more time to get out of the way of people who lose control of their cars due to slick roads.
Side impacts
Side impacts, or T-bones, also account for a significant amount of vehicle collisions according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. This type of wreck also has one of the higher fatality rates. Always look both ways for oncoming traffic even if you have the right of way. Do not trust other drivers to be paying attention or to follow the rules of the road.
While the above tips can help you stay safe on the road, it may not be possible to avoid every wreck. If you become the victim of a car accident with a negligent or reckless driver, keep in mind that you have options. You might be able to file a claim for your injuries and other damages, and, subsequently, receive the compensation you deserve.