Causes of Rear-End Accidents in Tampa and How to Avoid Them

It is no longer news that rear-end accidents are one of the most deadly accidents you don’t want to get involved in. But that’s not all; rear-end accidents are also the most common on our roads today, especially in busy states and cities like Florida and Tampa. How are rear end accidents cause in Tampa?

According to recent reports from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, rear-end accidents account for about 29% of all car accidents in the US today. Plus, these accidents often result in a significant amount of damage and injuries for motorists yearly. 

Of course, this disturbing statistic calls for concern and urgent efforts to help reduce such occurrences. But then, it is even more necessary to learn about the causes of such accidents and why they are prevalent on our roads today. This is because learning about the causes of rear-end accidents can help us to know how to avoid them. 

Luckily, this article will discuss some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents on Tampa roads today. We will also highlight some practical tips that could help reduce your chances of getting into such accidents. So, please ensure to read until the end for the many eye-opening information we will discuss. 

What does a Rear End Accident Entail? 

In simple terms, a rear-end accident occurs when a vehicle hits another vehicle in front of them from behind. As we have established, this is one of our roads’ most common accident types today. Unfortunately, it can also be dangerous and often lead to severe injuries and damage. 

So, it would be best to have a rear-end accident lawyer on your speed dial in case you get involved in such accidents. Your lawyer should be able to guide you on the proper steps to take after the accident. They will also help you to file a claim and win a fair settlement for your damages in the accident. 

What are the rear end accidents cause in Tampa? 

Many situations can lead to a rear-end accident in Tampa. But then, we will discuss some of the most common factors below. 

Following other Vehicles too Closely (Tailgating) 

You should know that drivers are required by road safety rules to keep a safe distance from other vehicles while on the road. This is because doing otherwise will limit your reaction time when something suddenly happens and you need to hit the brakes or swerve quickly. For instance, if the vehicle in your front stops abruptly, it will be more difficult to avoid a crash with it if you are following too closely. 

Following other vehicles too closely is also called tailgating, and it can be a pretty dangerous thing to do. This is especially on busy highways like in Tampa. Experts say that tailgating is a common sign of aggressive driving. However, people also drive like this because they are distracted or because of bad weather. 

Driving Above Speed Limits 

Indeed, you already know that various states and cities often implement speed limits for vehicles on their roads. This is often done according to the vehicle type and driving conditions on the road. Plus, it protects road users from road accidents and the damages that follow them. 

Sadly, some drivers do not care about speed limits as they should. When this is the case, their chances of getting in a rear-end accident increase. The logic here is pretty simple. Driving at high speed makes it difficult to take quick actions when necessary. For instance, you will barely be able to hit the brakes or swerve quickly enough if the car in your front stops abruptly. Plus, you are most likely to crash onto the vehicle’s back when this happens. 

Moreover, driving at high speed often increases the impact and damage when a car gets into an accident. This means you have more to lose from driving above speed limits than you hope to gain. 

Poor Vehicle Maintenance and Equipment Failure 

It is always best to do routine checks and maintenance for your vehicle from time to time. This is so that you can always keep them in good road-worthy conditions. Otherwise, you might risk a higher chance of getting into a rear-end accident. 

You should know that poor vehicle maintenance can easily lead to equipment failure. In turn, this will increase your chances of getting in an accident. And it could just be a rear-end accident. For instance, your brakes or tires could fail anytime if they are not thoroughly and routinely maintained. Indeed, you do not need to be told that this could lead to disastrous accidents. 

Distracted Driving 

This entails a situation where the driver’s attention is not entirely focused on the road while driving. It could be because they are trying to check out something on their phone, changing the station on the radio, talking to someone inside or outside the vehicle, etc. Distracted driving can be very dicey and might lead to a ghastly accident. So, it would be best to focus entirely on the road when driving. 

You should know that even a momentary concentration lapse on the road can result in a ghastly accident. Other things that can make you struggle to maintain your focus on the road while driving include eating and drinking. 

Human Errors 

The truth is that no matter how hard we try, we can not completely rule out our chances of making errors, even behind the wheel. This is because we are often bound to make mistakes as humans. Unfortunately, these mistakes can also lead to ugly rear-end accidents. For instance, unknowingly pressing your legs on the gas when you want to hit the brake can have you crashing into the vehicle before you. 

Other factors that contribute to causing rear-end accidents on Tampa roads include bad weather conditions, poor road conditions, disregard for road safety rules and laws, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and more. 

Top Tips to Help Reduce Your Chances of Getting Into a Rear-End Accident 

Indeed, nobody leaves their home with the intention of getting into an accident. Unfortunately, however, some people can not help getting into such situations because they do not know how to avoid them. Well, here are some tips that can help reduce your chances of getting into a Tampa rear-end accident: 

Allow More Space Between Yourself and the Vehicle in Your Front 

One of the most prominent ways to avoid getting into a rear-end accident is by always allowing enough space between yourself and the car in your front while driving. Doing this will help to afford you enough reaction time in cases of emergency. 

For instance, if the car in your front stops or changes direction abruptly, you will have enough time to hit your brakes or swerve to avoid hitting it from behind. 

Frequently Check Your Mirrors 

You should know that avoiding rear-end accidents is not only the responsibility of the car behind. You also have a role to play when you are in front, and constantly checking your mirrors is part of it. Experts suggest that checking your mirrors every 6 to 7 seconds can help reduce your accident chances. This is because you will be able to monitor the actions of the driver behind you and react adequately to escape accidents. 

Ensure Your Brake Lights are Functional, and Always Brake Slowly 

One of the most effective ways to tell other road users you want to stop is through your brake lights. When these vehicles behind you know that you want to brake, they can adjust their driving and allow you to stop without crashing into your vehicle’s rear end. So, it would be best always to ensure that your brake lights are functional before hitting the road. 

You should also always ensure to avoid braking abruptly. Instead, it is best to brake slowly and gradually. This will give the vehicles behind you enough time to react and avoid hitting you from the rear. 

Observe Traffic Safety Rules 

Of course, you already know that traffic safety rules are put in place to protect you. So, it would help if you always observed these rules while driving. Plus, you could contact a rear-end accident lawyer in Tampa to help interpret these rules if you get confused by any of them. 

Conclusion 

Rear-end accidents often turn out pretty ugly, and nobody wants to be in such situations. But then, you should learn the causes of this accident type if you want to avoid it. Luckily, this article has highlighted some of the most common causes of rear-end accidents in Tampa. In addition, we have also highlighted a few tips to help you avoid getting into such situations. 

Perhaps, you have already gotten into a Tampa rear-end accident. In that case, you may want to contact us at Coleman Law Group now. Rest assured that our rear-end accident and personal injury lawyers are always ready to guide you on what to do next.