Head-on collisions are the rarest kind of crash but have the highest fatality rate. A head-on car accident unleashes a tremendous amount of force on both drivers. Additionally, these crashes increase the risk that the driver may be thrown from the car or make contact with a hard surface inside their vehicle. Identifying the common causes of these accidents is crucial for both prevention and legal recourse. Listed below are some of the primary factors contributing to head-on collisions.
Distracted Driving
The average person takes five seconds to either read or send a text. Making a critical mistake that puts them outside their lane takes much less time. Your life can be changed in a heartbeat because of another driver’s poor choice.
Drivers may end up outside their lane because they are not paying attention to the road. They may miss a sign telling them where to turn or how to get in the proper lane. Alternatively, they may drift out of their lane because they look down at their phones. This is especially dangerous on a two-lane road without a median between the lanes.
Poor Road Signage
Drivers rely on signs to tell them where they need to be on the road. A missing sign or one that is not properly placed may cause a driver to not see where they are going. If a sign is too close to where a driver needs to turn and does not give them proper warning, it could place them and other drivers in danger. The lines on the road may be faded or not prominent enough to show the edge of the lane.
Drunk Driving
Drunk drivers are not able to react and respond to challenges on the roadway the same as sober motorists. They may not see a road sign or disregard it entirely. Drunk drivers are more likely to take severe risks because their judgment is affected by alcohol. Many drunk driving accident fatalities happen during head-on crashes.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigued driving poses a serious threat on the roads, as tired drivers may struggle to stay alert and maintain proper lane positions. Falling asleep at the wheel or experiencing momentary lapses in concentration can result in veering into oncoming traffic and causing a head-on collision.
Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common causes of head-on collisions. When drivers exceed the posted speed limits, they significantly reduce their ability to react to unexpected situations, such as sudden stops or lane changes. Additionally, higher speeds amplify the impact force in a collision, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities. The impact forces are especially devastating in head-on collisions, where vehicles collide front-to-front.
Speeding reduces the driver’s control over their car and the time to maneuver or brake to avoid a collision. As such, it remains imperative for all drivers to adhere to speed limits and drive at safe speeds in inclement weather.
Contact a Monmouth County Car Accident Lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams After a Serious Head-On Collision
If you have been injured in a car accident, speak with our experienced New Jersey car accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams. Call us today at 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey we serve clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County and throughout the state.
