The 5 Most Dangerous Car Accidents

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Did you know that there were over 6 million car accidents in the United States in 2016? That’s roughly 17 thousand car accidents every day, which is both shocking and horrifying to think about.

But don’t swear off driving for good just yet. A large portion of these accidents occur without any major injuries. Some don’t even do much damage to the vehicles involved and aren’t much more than a minor inconvenience.

That being said, we often forget that driving is inherently hazardous, and there are some accidents that end in the worst-case scenario. These result in serious injury, some of which are fatal. And while all car accidents are serious, and at the very least inconvenient, some are much more dangerous than others.

There are certain types of car accidents that are statistically proven to be more likely to end in critical injury or death. In this article, we’ll break down the five most dangerous types of car accidents and where they’re most likely to happen.

1. Rear-End Collision

With more people texting and driving than ever before, it’s no surprise that the number of rear-end collisions has increased. And along with it, the number of injuries that have resulted from that particular type of car accident.

Believe it or not, rear-end collisions are actually one of the most dangerous types of car accidents. They may often seem like minor annoyances at worst, but they can be much more than that under certain circumstances.

Sure, many rear-end collisions end with no real injuries and just a bit of damage to both vehicles’ fenders. But more serious accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries, especially to the neck and spinal cord area of the occupants in the rear-ended vehicle.

A rear-end collision, especially one at high speeds, can also be dangerous to the occupants in the vehicle doing the rear-ending.

Rear-end collisions are most common at stop signs, street lights, and in areas with heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic.

2. Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions are extremely dangerous and for obvious reasons.

Two vehicles crashing into one another head-on is very bad news for the occupants in both vehicles. A head-on collision at high speeds is almost guaranteed to lead to serious injury for everyone involved.

Think about it like this: if two vehicles going 40 miles per hour crash into each other head-on, there is 80 miles per hour of force behind that crash. Most vehicles aren’t designed to handle that kind of impact, which is why head-on collisions are so dangerous.

A head-on collision usually requires one vehicle to cross over into oncoming traffic. Often times, these accidents are the result of someone falling asleep at the wheel or losing control of their vehicle.

3. Rollover Crash

Should your vehicle roll over in an accident, the chance of serious injury dramatically increases.

Rollover accidents are very dangerous, as most vehicles aren’t designed to handle that sort of impact. Rollover accidents can even throw occupants out of the vehicle completely with great force, which is almost sure to lead to injury.

Certain vehicles are more prone to rollover accidents than others, which is important to keep in mind when purchasing or renting a vehicle. Rollover accidents can happen when a vehicle takes a sharp turn at a high speed and are more common during inclement weather.

4. Side-Impact Collision

Much like rollover accidents, side-impact collisions affect areas of your vehicle that aren’t well equipped for a car crash.

Though being hit in the front or rear of your vehicle is never a good thing and can also be harmful, there is much less material, and therefore, less protection on the sides of the car. Not to mention, how many times have you rested against the inside of the door of your vehicle during a long trip?

Any time your vehicle is hit on its side, closest to where the occupants are seated, the chance of serious injury increases. Luckily, vehicle manufacturers have taken note of this, and side airbags have become more common.

Side-impact collisions usually occur at intersections, so it’s important to stay sharp and be on the lookout in those areas.

5. Off-Road Crash

Off-road crashes are, without a doubt, the most dangerous type of car accident. It’s terrifying to think about, but 32% of off-road crashes end with at least one fatality.

Driving off the road and crashing into a telephone pole, tree, or other sturdy object is a nightmare scenario but can be avoided, if you’re careful.

Off-road crashes can occur from a variety of different circumstances. From falling asleep at the wheel, literally and figuratively, to bad weather, there are a multitude of factors that contribute to off-road crashes.

It’s important to pay attention at all times, respect the weather, and watch out for other drivers when on the road.

Help and Advice for Car Accidents

Now that you know the five most dangerous kind of car accidents, you are better equipped to avoid them.

While all car accidents are, in the best case scenario, a day-ruiner, they can easily become much more than that, which is why it’s so important to be careful on the road.

Remember, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Slow down in bad weather, including rain or snow, and stay on high alert when driving through an intersection. Defensive driving can be your best protection on the road.