Head-on collisions remain one of the most devastating types of car accidents, often resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. Compensation for victims of such accidents is often necessary to cover medical expenses and other losses.
To prevent these tragic events from happening, it is important to understand the common causes behind them.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving stands as one of the primary causes behind head-on collisions. When drivers take their eyes off the road or their hands off the wheel to text, make phone calls or engage in other distracting activities, they increase the risk of veering into oncoming traffic.
Speeding
Excessive speeding reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes in road conditions or obstacles. Speeding drivers may lose control of their vehicles, drift into opposing lanes, and cause catastrophic head-on collisions.
Impaired driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs judgment, coordination and reaction time. Intoxicated drivers often exhibit erratic behavior on the road, including swerving into oncoming traffic lanes, leading to deadly head-on collisions.
Fatigue
Fatigued drivers are similar to impaired drivers, as their ability to focus and react is significantly diminished. Falling asleep at the wheel or experiencing microsleep episodes can result in unintentional lane departures and subsequent head-on collisions.
Improper passing
Attempting to pass other vehicles in unsafe conditions, such as on curves, hills or in heavy traffic, can lead to head-on collisions. Drivers who misjudge the distance or speed of oncoming vehicles risk catastrophic consequences.
Recognizing and addressing the common causes of these accidents can help reduce them and promote safer roads for everyone.