Fender benders happen. And, it turns out, many of them happen the same way.
While it’s always essential to take precautions behind the wheel, being extra aware of these common collisions could help you avoid them in the first place.
So here’s a breakdown of four of the most common types of collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with driving tips to help you steer clear of trouble while out on the road.
Front-Impact Collisions
What They Are
Front-impact collisions—when the front end of a vehicle hits another vehicle or something on the side of the road, like a tree or telephone pole—accounted for 57 percent of serious crashes in 2019, according to the IIHS.
How To Avoid Them
Front-impact crashes are often caused by slippery roads or other weather-related factors, so it’s important to adjust your driving to fit the conditions, says Russ Rader, IIHS’s senior vice president of communications. Translation: Drive slower in rain and snow, to give yourself more time to react if your car suddenly loses control. And avoid anything that could divert your attention from the road. “Stay off the cell phone, of course, but fiddling with the radio or even talking to a passenger can be a distraction,” says Rader. “Remain focused on the task at hand.” (See more surprising causes of distracted driving.)
Lane-keeping systems also help reduce the frequency of front-impact collisions, according to the IIHS. This feature alerts the driver or even automatically steers a car if it ventures outside of its lane.
Side-Impact Collisions
What They Are
Side-impact collisions can be either a classic “T-bone” or a sideswipe. The former often occurs at intersections, usually as the result of some sort of confusion regarding which vehicle has the right of way. Sideswipes usually involve a side impact between cars driving parallel to one another in different lanes. According to the IIHS, 23 percent of serious crashes in 2019 were side-impact ones.
How To Avoid Them
Time-tested defensive-driving techniques can go a long way toward reducing your risk. To guard against the classic “T-bone,” be extra vigilant, and always look both ways at stop signs and stoplights—don’t speed to try to catch the yellow light. “When you’re late, you’re more likely to push it and run a red light,” says Rader. To help avoid a sideswipe, always check your blind spot before changing lanes and, when passing cars, be alert for other drivers changing lanes unexpectedly.
Rear-End Collisions
What They Are
Motorists are prone to rear-end collisions in heavy commuter traffic on highways and thoroughfares. The most common causes are driving too fast or too aggressively, or failing to leave sufficient space between you and the vehicle in front of you, according to Rader.
How To Avoid Them
Watch your speed and give yourself plenty of distance, in case the driver ahead suddenly slams on the brakes. To avoid being rear-ended by tailgaters, slow down, move to the right lane if it’s safe to do so, and calmly let them pass. Today’s automatic braking technology can also help keep you safe. Forward-collision warning systems—which provide audible tones or visual alerts to help the driver swerve or brake before a collision occurs—can reduce rear-impact crashes.
Parking Lot Collisions
What They Are
Dented bumpers are all too common in busy parking lots. They may happen when a car is backing out of a parking spot or where there are multiple cars moving in different directions.
How To Avoid Them
“In parking lots, it can be really difficult to see around you—especially when backing up,” says Rader. His advice: Take a moment to check out your surroundings before getting in the car to pull out of a parking space. If you can, park in a spot farther away from other cars. And if your vehicle has a rearview camera, that’s great—but don’t rely on technology alone to keep your ride scratch-free. “The image on the screen can be distorted by bright sunlight or shadows,” says Rader. “Always use your mirrors as well.”
If you’re ever in an accident (and we hope you never will be), you can have peace of mind knowing your GEICO auto insurance makes the claim process as smooth and painless as possible. You can report and track your claim online, over the phone or via the GEICO Mobile app—whichever is easiest for you. Plus, find out how GEICO’s convenient Auto Repair Xpress® program makes the process as simple as 1, 2, 3!
Read More: Lane-keeping and automatic braking aren’t the only safety innovations. Check out these 5 hi-tech safety features that could soon be standard.
By Rod O’Connor
Janie M. Flores says,
Thank you for the great reminders when driving. I really practice like these recomendations
the defensive driving tips! I appreciate it( your tips!)
very much. I shall always take my time when driving and always stay alert.
sandra calo says,
Excellent and helpful information. Thank you, Geico
ROBERT T. says,
I thoght the article was interesting. However, the writer, Mr. O’Connermissed the rear collisil when stopped at a stoplight. This Happened to my wife recently.
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Editor says,
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Ari Preuss says,
Parking . Follow police and emergency workers‘ motto. PARK SNOUT OUT ! That way you never need to back out and can make a quick, safe forward move in an emergency.
I always carry two sets of reflector road cones and offer one combo to “ flat tire “ changers pulled over into dangerous spots. I ask the recipients to regift them to others caught in the same predicament. Most are not aware how vulnerable they were.
Take an Accident Avoidance Course at nearest race track.
Teresa Mathis says,
Than you for your import. I was ask if I wanted to take the on Line course. Is this it. BECAUSE Iam confused. Thank you
Dania Pumariega says,
Thank you for your tips!
EDWARD MORAWSKI says,
BLINDSPOTS. WHY DON’T INSURANCE COMPANIES DEMAND THAT THE GOVERNMENT MAKE THE CAR MANUFACTURERS PRODUCE CARS, TRUCK AND OTHERS AND HAVE THESE VEHICLES COME WITH A SIDE MIRROR THAT COVERS THE BLINSPOTS ON THE ROAD?
Karl says,
We don’t want government to fix our problems.
Barbara Marotta says,
These all were very informative- thanks
June Johns says,
Thank you for reinforcing this! It never hurts to be reminded of anything!
Debra Dowtin says,
This information was very informative,thank you for the knowledge.
Joe Chandy says,
Geico is the best
Walter Townsend says,
My Daughter was traveling so. on I-35 , another driver was going same way he was look at and accident in the North bound lane . As he was looking to the left he was coming in to my daughters lane an side swiped her front to rear my Truck is Total I only have Liability . Also it was a Hit and Run.
Joe says,
Consider this scenario: You are parked, on the left side, at a meter, at a busy one-way street. A car comes, and double-parks on your right, parralel with the parked car in front of you, (refuses to move!?) You try to inch out, to try and get out, and while you are trying to look behind and in front, a car comes zooming down this street, and clips your right front corner. No major damage, however, it is determined that you are at fault. Just another example….you can’t win!
Greer Grant says,
We need all the help we can get. Thank you!!!