• 03
  • October
    2011

Tragic accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence on our nation's highways. Rear-end collisions are the second most common accident, second only to backing accidents, in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) found that rear-end crashes are linked to 30 percent of all highway traffic injuries and nearly 30 percent of related property damage.

Rear-end accidents can be caused by many things. Drivers following too closely to the vehicle in front of them cause a majority of these crashes. Distractions also play a big role in these types of collisions. In addition, adverse road conditions and disregarding safe driving speeds can also play a part.

Since 2004, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has been studying rear-end crashes. This independent non-profit has found that when a motor vehicle is struck from behind, it is accelerated forward and that this force causes seatbacks to push against a driver's and passenger's torso. Propelled forward, the vehicle occupants' unsupported heads lag until their necks reach a distortion limit and then are whipped forward. As a result of this force, many people suffer neck injuries, as well as back, shoulder, knee, spine and head trauma.

In order to reduce the risk for rear-end accidents; motor vehicle operators can take precautions. For commercial drivers, written company policies and education programs about traffic safety and behind the wheel activities, such as cell phone use, are crucial. Both commercial and non-commercial drivers should remember to keep pace with traffic and avoid tailgating and distractions. These are all helpful ways to avoid rear-end collisions.

When a driver or their passengers are injured due to a rear-end crash, they may have to deal with property damage, lost time from work and medical bills. In these cases, a reputable personal injury attorney can help crash victims negotiate with insurance companies and protect victims' legal rights.

Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Q & A: Neck Injury