Braking and Stopping Safely Reduces Rear-End Car Accidents
When a car is unable to accomplish braking and stopping safely, there is a high risk of single or multi-car rear-end car accidents. In order to prevent a rear-end accident, drivers must be aware of the environmental, vehicle and driver factors that play into the ability to stop safely.
If you were seriously injured in a rear-end car accident through no fault of your own, contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Braking and Stopping Safely Reduces Rear-End Car Accidents
Factors that affect braking and stopping safely include:
Driver factors:
- Fatigue
- Attention to road/distracted driving
- Impairment from alcohol and drugs
- Poor vision
- Driver age and experience
- Ability to recognize hazards
Vehicle factors:
- The year, make and model of the vehicle
- Type and condition of brakes
- Type and condition of tires
- Tire pressure
- Braking safety features
- Vehicle weight
- Whether the vehicle is towing a trailer or carting a heavy load
Environmental factors:
- Type of road surface
- Incline of the road
- Road alignment
- Weather conditions
Wet roads affect ability to brake safely
Especially during fall and winter when the roads are often wet, drivers must take extra care to brake and stop safely to prevent a car accident.
If a driver feels their vehicle’s tires slipping on the road it is usually helpful to gently pump the brakes until the car comes to a complete stop. Never slam the brakes with a lot of force if the car does not have an anti-lock braking system because the brakes can seize up, increase braking distance and cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle.
Speed affects the ability to brake safely
The faster the speed, the longer it takes a vehicle to brake and come to a complete stop. More importantly, a car accident at high speeds means bigger impact and the potential for more damage and injuries. Even going slightly over the speed limit or driving too fast for the current weather or road conditions can make the difference between braking safely and a tragic accident.
What if my rear-end collision was caused by faulty brakes?
There are two possible scenarios where faulty brakes could be the cause of a rear-end collision. The first scenario involves brakes that were in poor repair because they were not properly maintained by the vehicle’s owner. The second is the rare case that the vehicle was manufactured with faulty brakes. In order for a driver who caused a rear-end collision to make a viable argument that faulty brakes caused the accident and they are not at-fault, their vehicle must be towed from the scene of the accident to be evaluated by a neutral mechanic. In addition, the mechanic would need to rule out poor maintenance as the cause of the faulty brakes.
If you or a loved one is dealing with an accident or injury through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times bigger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring accident attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
