Distracted Driving Results in Car Accident
Medics and Washington State Troopers responded to reports of a severe two-car collision near Enumclaw today. They found an injured woman and her 4-year-old child in critical condition inside of a mangled mid-size SUV. Life flight airlifted the child to Harborview Medical Center, and the mother transported via ambulance.
Like the SUV, a burgundy-colored Subaru had been heading north behind the SUV on Highway 169, when she wad distracted by a dump truck waiting to turn onto the road. She failed to notice that the SUV had slowed or stopped to make a left turn.
The driver of the Subaru admitted she had been distracted before crashing into the SUV. Troopers believe that alcohol and drugs are not a factor in the collision.
View original news source: At least 1 Critically Injured as Car Semi Collide Near Enumclaw.
Rear-End Car Accidents are All Too Common
Rear-end collisions are the most common auto accidents in the United States. They make up approximately 1/3 of all car accidents. They are not typically deadly, but still, cost billions every year with vast amounts of damages and personal injuries.
One of the reasons for the increasing number of “fender benders” in recent years is due to distracted driving. Studies are showing that 95% of car accident cases have one common link–driver error. Just ONE second of time could avoid most rear-end collisions. When they say accidents happen in the blink of an eye—it means that it can be “game over” in a split-second.
Responsible Driving Advice to Avoid a Car Accident
Here are some ways to help prevent getting in a rear-end collision.
- Look up the road. Start braking before the vehicle in front of you slams on the brakes and always anticipate the flow of traffic.
- Check your mirrors often. Drivers should be looking every 5-8 seconds to see the motion of traffic around you. When traffic slows, check to see if the driver behind if following likewise.
- Stay focused on your driving. Giving yourself room, nor following too close, gives you an escape route if someone comes up to your bumper too fast.
- Always look for “escape routes” in traffic. That may include sidewalks, the shoulder, curbs or another lane if a car comes sailing too close for comfort.
- Never rush up to a red light or stop sign. The driver behind you may assume that you are going to go on and end up hitting you instead.
- Leave 2-3 car lengths in front of you and another vehicle. The gap gives each driver an “out” in an emergency and gives everyone plenty of braking space.
- When stopped, visualize what you could do if another car behind you didn’t stop. Take note of the space around your vehicle and anticipate the odds.
- Do a physical vehicle safety inspection. Make sure that all of your lights, including brakes, are working.
- Allow yourself more space between cars and start braking sooner.
- Do not “brake check” tailgaters. You may end up in a rear-end collision to prove your point. Just slow down gradually and move out of the way. Pull off to the side of the road or a gas station is necessary. It’s not worth engaging aggressive drivers in their manic habits. Safety is paramount! https://www.wheels.ca/top-ten/top-10-ways-to-prevent-a-rear-end-collision/
For some additional tips on how to avoid getting rear-ended, check out: How to Avoid Rear-end Collisions.
Our Auto Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers are Here to Help
If you or a loved one were involved in a rear-end collision, contact Fielding Law Group today for a free consultation on how to recover and repair your life. Our experienced attorneys are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Don’t let an accident wreck YOU!
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