A variety of different types of crashes can occur in unique circumstances. Sometimes, inclement weather leads to collisions involving dozens of vehicles. Other times, commercial vehicles cause crashes that destroy smaller passenger vehicles.
The vast majority of motor vehicle collisions involve two passenger vehicles. Even when looking at passenger vehicle crashes in particular, there are many subtypes of collisions that occur. Some of those crashes have more potential than others to cause devastating or fatal injuries.
Drivers who are aware of the most dangerous types of crashes can potentially adjust their driving habits for enhanced traffic safety. What type of collision is most likely to have fatal consequences?
Head-on collisions are not actually the deadliest
Many people making an educated guess about the risk of different types of collisions might identify head-on collisions as the most severe. However, head-on collisions are less common than other types of crashes.
Additionally, the safety systems integrated into vehicles have design features specifically created for head-on collisions. As such, head-on collisions are only responsible for 29.9% of all fatal crashes. Rear-end collisions account for 17% of traffic fatalities, while sideswipes and other, less-serious collisions only account for 8.2%.
According to collision research performed by the National Safety Council (NSC), angle or side-impact collisions are the deadliest type of wreck. They are responsible for 44.8%, or almost half, of all reported fatal two-car collisions.
Frequently, angle collisions occur while one vehicle attempts to turn, possibly at an intersection. The failure to use turn signals or to monitor traffic may contribute to side-impact collision risk. The lack of mandatory safety systems for side-impact collisions no doubt contributes to the level of risk.
What can drivers do to protect themselves?
There are several ways to reduce the risk of a deadly side-impact collision. Avoiding left turns, particularly at busy intersections or on streets with heavy traffic, could reduce the chances of a side-impact collision.
Consistently using turn signals and avoiding distraction while driving can also be important. When people upgrade or replace their vehicles, looking into models that have side-impact airbags and other safety systems could potentially save lives.
Unfortunately, even the safest driver with the best vehicle is partially at the mercy of other people in traffic. Those involved in severe crashes or adjusting to life after a deadly motor vehicle wreck may have the right to hold the driver at fault accountable. Pursuing compensation successfully from unsafe motorists can help people replace their vehicles, cover medical expenses and offset lost wages.