According to the National Safety Council, rear-end collisions constituted 40.8% of all crashes nationwide in 2022.

That makes rear-end crashes the most common type of crash involving two or more vehicles. While many rear-end collisions occur at relatively low speeds (think fender-benders at traffic lights and stop signs), they can result in serious injuries regardless of speed or force of impact.

In this blog, we’ll explore the common causes of rear-end crashes and the best way to avoid being a victim of one.

What Causes Rear-End Collisions?

Rear-end collisions often result from a combination of driver behavior and external conditions. Understanding the common causes of these accidents can help in taking preventive measures to enhance road safety:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers may be texting, talking on the phone, eating, or otherwise not paying full attention to the road at the time of their crash. Tailgating—following too closely behind another vehicle—significantly reduces the reaction time available to stop safely if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.
• Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit causes rear-end collisions by reducing the time drivers have to react to changing traffic conditions and increasing the required stopping distance. Sudden stops can catch trailing drivers off guard, especially if they are distracted or not maintaining a safe distance.
• Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, or ice make roads slippery and reduce visibility, leading to longer stopping distances and a higher likelihood of rear-end collisions.
• Driving Under the Influence: When a driver uses alcohol or drugs, their reaction time and judgment may become impaired, making them less likely to react to vehicles stopping or slowing down in front of them.
• Brake and Vehicle Component Failure: Worn or malfunctioning brakes and worn out or ruptured tires can prevent a driver from stopping in time to avoid colliding with the back of the vehicle in front of them.

How Can I Avoid a Rear-End Collision?

Despite being the most common type of crash, drivers can reduce their risk of being involved in rear-end collisions by taking these precautions on Oklahoma’s roads:

• Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Keep a sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead to allow adequate time to react and stop if necessary. A general rule of thumb is the “three-second rule” – choose a fixed point on the road and ensure you pass it at least three seconds after the vehicle in front of you.
• Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions: Avoid texting, eating, or using a phone while driving. Stay focused on the road and be aware of the traffic conditions around you.
• Drive at a Safe Speed: Adjust your speed according to the road conditions, traffic, and weather. Slower speeds increase the time you have to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic flow.
• Use Mirrors and Check Blind Spots: Regularly check your rearview and side mirrors to stay aware of the vehicles behind you. This helps you anticipate if a car is approaching too quickly.
• Signal Early and Clearly: Turn on your turn signal well before making turns or lane changes to alert other drivers of your intentions and give them time to react.
• Brake Gradually: Avoid sudden stops whenever possible. Gradual braking gives drivers behind you more time to notice and react to your slowing down.
• Stay Visible: Ensure all your vehicle’s lights, especially brake lights and turn signals, are functioning correctly. This is crucial in low-visibility conditions like fog, rain, or nighttime driving.
• Be Cautious in Adverse Weather: Increase your following distance and reduce speed during rain, snow, or fog. Wet or icy roads require longer stopping distances.
• Maintain Your Vehicle: Regularly check and maintain your brakes, tires, and other critical systems to ensure your vehicle can perform properly in emergencies.

Are Rear-Ended Drivers Ever at Fault for Collisions?

Many people believe that rear-ended drivers are never at fault for collisions. While they typically aren’t at fault, they can be considered liable in some instances.

• Sudden Stops: If the leading driver abruptly stops without a valid reason, they may share responsibility for the collision. This is especially relevant if the stop was unexpected and the trailing driver had no reasonable opportunity to react.
• Brake Light Issues: If the leading vehicle’s brake lights are not functioning correctly, making it difficult for the trailing driver to notice the vehicle in front is slowing down or stopping, the leading driver could be found at fault.
• Reversing into Vehicles: If the leading driver reverses suddenly and collides with the vehicle behind, they would likely be considered at fault for the crash.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: If the leading driver changes lanes unsafely or cuts off the trailing vehicle, causing a rear-end collision, they may be held responsible.
• Impaired Driving: If the leading driver is impaired due to alcohol, drugs, or other factors that lead to erratic driving behavior and a subsequent rear-end collision, they can be held partially or fully responsible.

Trailing drivers are often assigned blame for rear-end collisions regardless of the facts of what happened. In cases like these, it’s important for wrongly blamed drivers to get the help of experienced lawyers to reduce or eliminate their level of liability and prove the other drivers’ negligence.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers After a Rear-End Collision

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we’ve helped thousands of injured crash victims in and around Oklahoma City. Many of those people were injured in rear-end collisions that occurred at high, medium, and low speeds. These types of crashes are more dangerous than people think, and we work hard to help victims get maximum compensation.

If you or someone you love was injured, contact our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys today for a free consultation. We have the experience and aggressive approach you need to get the money you and your family deserve.