Car crashes are a significant concern on the roadways. Among them are side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, which are particularly dangerous. These accidents transpire when one vehicle strikes the side of another at a perpendicular angle, often leading to severe injuries or fatalities.
The good news is that many side-impact crashes can be prevented through careful driving habits, defensive strategies and advanced safety technologies. Below are effective measures drivers can take to help prevent side-impact car crashes and enhance road safety both personally and overall.
Apply defensive driving techniques
One of the best ways to help prevent side-impact crashes is to be aware of one’s surroundings. Drivers should pay close attention to intersections, especially when approaching a green light, as this is a common scenario for T-bone collisions.
Additionally, drivers should take an extra moment to check both directions for any potential red-light runners or vehicles approaching from the side before proceeding through an intersection. Reducing speed when approaching intersections and taking the time to respond to abrupt changes in traffic signals or the behavior of other drivers can make a world of difference.
Follow traffic rules
Simply following traffic rules can prevent gruesome side-impact car crashes. This is because running a red light or stop sign greatly increases the risk of a side-impact collision. Aside from observing traffic signals, drivers should also yield to the right of way when required, especially at intersections without traffic signals. Yielding to oncoming traffic can help prevent collisions.
Proactively communicate
Drivers should always use turn signals well in advance to indicate their intentions to other drivers, giving them time to adjust their driving accordingly. And when unsure whether it’s safe to proceed, they should make eye contact with other drivers, pedestrians or cyclists to help ensure they acknowledge their presence.
Divers can significantly reduce the risk of side-impact collisions by applying defensive driving skills and adhering to traffic rules. And remember, they can be held accountable for every small action they take on the road if it contributes to an accident. As such, if you’ve been involved in a side-impact accident, don’t be afraid to explore legal avenues to acquire the compensation you deserve from the at-fault driver who caused your harm.