Five Tips to Avoid Getting Rear-Ended

After a recent, deadly accident, WYFF4 reported a a South Carolina state trooper said that most collisions in the area are fender benders and/or rear-end accidents which happen when people aren't paying attention.

Rear-end accidents are very common on South Carolina roads, and those accidents endanger motorists. Usually, it is the rear driver who is to blame in a situation where a rear-end collision occurs. Still, drivers can follow some basic best practices to avoid having their cars hit from behind.

Five Tips to Avoid Getting Rear-Ended

All drivers should follow best practices for safety in order to reduce the chances of getting involved in rear-end accidents. Some of the basic steps you may wish to take when driving to reduce the chance your car will be hit from behind include:

• Maintain a steady speed whenever possible.  While it is normal to slow down and speed up in accordance with what is going on around you, you should try not to vary your speed for no reason. If you suddenly slow down your car without there being justification to do so, the driver who is behind you may not notice you are slowing down or may not be able to react quickly enough. This could lead to a crash occurring when the rear driver can't stop in time to avoid hitting your vehicle.
• Avoid stopping short. If you're about to hit an object in front of you, you will have to stop short. You should, however, try to avoid this as much as possible. Suddenly slamming on the brakes significantly increases the chances the car behind you is going to hit yours. Try to watch further up ahead on the road to see obstacles early so you can stop more gradually if something is in your path.
• Don't cut off other motorists. If you suddenly pull in front of another driver, there is a significant risk that the motorist won't be able to stop in time to avoid hitting the back of your car.
• Use your signals. You need to alert other drivers when you are planning to turn or change lanes so they can expect you to slow down or to pull in front of them.
• Check your mirrors often.  Watch in your mirrors to see if drivers who are following your vehicle also come to a stop when you do.

By taking these basic steps, motorists can reduce the chance they will become a victim of a rear-end accident. While there is little you can do to protect yourself if another driver isn't paying attention and fails to slow down before striking your vehicle, you have the ability reduce the chances someone will hit your car from the back.

A Beaufort South Carolina personal injury attorney can help if you've been injured or a loved one was killed in an accident in Beaufort, Hilton Head, Bluffton. Contact Twenge + Twombley today at 866-452-6315 for a free case consultation.