What Are the Most Common Causes of Head-On Collisions?
While a majority of the accidents that occur on our roads are minor in nature, the result of head-on vehicle collisions at a high speed can be disastrous. Victims of head-on collisions may end up with catastrophic injuries, often facing excessive medical bills and loss of earnings while they struggle to recover.
Although head-on collisions account for only about two percent of all road accidents, they are responsible for roughly ten percent of all road accident deaths. Often, these head-on collisions cause grievous injuries and take a heavy toll on the victims in terms of their financial and emotional costs.
Most of the head-on collisions are the result of negligence or wrongdoing on the part of one or more motorists. It is imperative that you understand the reasons behind these devastating crashes in order to be able to protect yourselves and your loved ones by being more aware and vigilant.
Where Do Head-on Collisions Happen?
As stated above, only about 2 percent of all road accidents in the US are head-on collisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data suggests that head-on impacts account for less than 7 percent of catastrophic crashes in urban areas. On the other hand, this number is as high as 13 percent in rural areas.
Though not so common, head-on crashes cause severe injuries because of the high speeds of the vehicles involved in such accidents. Typically, victims of a head-on collision suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), often leading to permanent disabilities, both cognitive and physical.
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions
There are many different reasons behind every accident, and no two accidents are the same. Let us understand some of the typical causes behind head-on collisions so that you can be more cautious and are able to avert them.
Distracted Driving
Over the past few years, driver distraction has become the most frequent cause of head-on collisions. Technology on our fingertips in everyday life has become more of a bane than a boon, especially when it compromises safety by interfering with the inherently dangerous act of driving.
It is easy for drivers to be distracted from the controls of their vehicle by talking, texting, or reading emails on cell phones. Other activities like eating or paying attention to their co-passengers also cause driver distraction, which in turn may result in a head-on collision.
Driving Under the Influence
Intoxication severely impairs the judgment of a person driving a motor vehicle. A drunk driver is also more likely to be distracted and lose control of his vehicle, causing head-on collisions as they drift into the path of on-coming traffic.
Inebriation also leads to drivers making bad driving decisions which may prove fatal to themselves or other road users. Head-on collisions late at night tend to end in tragedy, with severe injuries or fatalities.
Harsh Weather Conditions
Severe weather that affects visibility on the road can sometimes be the culprit behind head-on collisions occur. Bad weather like heavy rainfall or dense fog brings down the road visibility dramatically, thus causing head-on crashes.
Lack of Driving Experience and Expertise
Often, drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle lack experience or understanding of the road rules. Teenaged drivers, with their glaring lack of experience and sometimes false bravado, create situations on the road that are dangerous for themselves and others.
Driving While Fatigued
Commercial truck drivers, owing to the nature of their job, push themselves hard as they sometimes continue driving while they are sleepy or extremely tired. In doing so, they put all road users at risk as their reaction times slow down and their decision-making is compromised due to exhaustion and sleep deprivation.
Aggressive Driving
Weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, changing lanes at the last possible minute, and cutting off other road users; are all signs of hostile driving that threatens all road users and puts them at unnecessary risk. An unpredictable and combative driver can cause accidents, including head-on collisions, by negligence and gross misconduct.
Speeding
Although everyone thinks of themselves as good drivers, excessive speeding can be unsafe for everyone. A driver traveling at high speeds is more likely to miss road signs or crash into oncoming traffic.
Failure to Follow Traffic Signs or Signals
A driver ignoring a red light, failing to yield, or whizzing past a stop sign, is courting disaster.
Road Construction and Repair
Drivers need to be very cautious and watchful while driving through construction zones, as these can be dangerous if there is an impatient or distracted person behind the wheel. Similarly, drivers who fail to notice or obey new traffic patterns can easily cause a head-on collision against the flow of the traffic pattern.
Contact a Skilled Auto Accident Attorney in Alabama
Head-on collisions cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you are involved in such a crash, try to remain calm, call for help, and seek immediate medical attention if it is needed.
Also, seek legal assistance from a car accident lawyer who can help you recover compensation and protect your rights. The seasoned auto accident attorneys at Smith Law Firm work tirelessly to make sure that you recover the rightful and fair compensation.
Contact the Smith Law Firm as soon as possible after the accident. We will take the time to understand the specificities of the case and determine who might be liable to pay compensation for your injuries. For a no-charge case review, call today at (334) 702-1744 or send us a message online.
