Rear end collisions are not only painful, but they’re irritating in that you feel as though you could not have done anything to prevent it. It’s true that preventing rear-end crashes is difficult, but with a few tips, you can reduce the likelihood of you being in another rear-end collision anytime soon. Unfortunately, most of these tips aren’t discussed at anti-crash tactics. Some of these bits of insight aren’t even covered as defensive driving techniques.

After a rear-end crash, you may be more hesitant or even a bit anxious to get behind the wheel. The trouble for so many is that when it feels as though these situations are so out of control, it seems only a matter of time before another rear-end crash happens. Then you know that you’ll be sore for days or weeks, maybe suffer further injury, and experience the trauma of a crash all over again. If this is the case, you should reach out to one of our Lugoff car accident attorneys right away

Don’t Brake Check Anyone

A brake check is a slang term for intentionally hitting your brakes hard, and without the purpose of stopping, to scare the person behind you. Many Drivers feel that this is an effective method to stop tailgating.

If someone is tailgating you, then a brake check will almost inevitably lead to a rear end collision. The idea that stepping on your brakes will scare the other driver into gaining distance or putting more space between their front bumper and your back bumper is not reasonable. When you’re dealing with a driver who’s tailgating, your likely going to aggravate someone who is prone to aggressive driving or even road rage. Road rage is not limited to laying into the horn or obscene hand gestures. In fact, a brake check can lead to a serious confrontation after a collision, and it’s best to avoid that whenever possible.

Always Ensure that Your Lights Work

Checking that your brake lights or tail lights are working is something you should do every couple of months. You’ll want to grab a friend and have them stand behind the vehicle while you test your brakes. You should be sitting in a parked position depressing the brake pedal, and then the person helping you should be able to tell you if all three of your brake lights are working.

Move Over If Necessary

If someone is tailgating you or if you see someone in your rearview mirror coming in at high speeds, change lanes. This is one of the fewer discussed defensive driving tactics, and it can be very effective. It can also get you into a bit of trouble when it comes to fault during your crash resolution if you were the one traveling at a much lower rate of speed than the flow of traffic.

For example, if you were rear-ended while driving in the fast lane on an Interstate, you might immediately assume it was the other driver’s fault. But if during the crash investigation, it was determined that you were traveling 5 or 10 mph below the posted speed limit or the flow of traffic, then it could partially be your fault. If you notice someone behind you is being aggressive or moving at a much higher rate of speed, then move out of the lane.

Always Have an Exit Plan

This goes along with moving over or getting out of Lane whenever it’s necessary. If you notice that a particular driver or a particular traffic pattern could put you at risk for a rear end collision, then you should have an exit plan. That may mean getting off of a Main Street, Interstate, or simply dropping into a slower Lane.

Exit plans can be very effective, and this is an exercise that drivers should be conducting at all times. Even when traffic seems like it’s going smooth, you don’t know when someone is going to be coming up at high speeds behind you. Having an exit plan can cut down the time expense of decision making in the event of an impending accident.

Know Your Legal Options with a Car Accident Lawyer After a Rear End Collision

While you’re recovering from that car accident, you’ll want someone else handling the evidence, requesting the official reports from police, and negotiating with your car insurance company. The struggle is that finding out who can take over these important steps is a bit difficult. Don’t ask a friend. Instead, call in a local car accident lawyer that should have your best interest in mind.

At Connell Law, our goal is to properly represent all of our clients with passion, facts and evidence, and a compelling case. When you work with us, you can see first-hand what it’s like to have an attorney handle the most frustrating parts of the crash resolution process. Don’t get stuck fighting this battle alone, call Connell Law.