All car crashes have the potential to be deadly, but none more so than head-on collisions. Head-on collisions combine the speed of both vehicles, increasing the impact and the potential for catastrophic injuries.
What are some of the main contributors to head-on collisions?
Driver fatigue
For many people, driving is much more than a leisurely activity. It’s a part of long work days as the main mode of transportation. Driving may be a part of taking the kids to and from school every day. In other words, drivers may be tired.
Many studies indicate that fatigued driving is just as dangerous as intoxicated driving. Reaction times become slow, focus is reduced and there’s a real possibility that vehicles stray over the centerline- which is when head-on collisions occur.
Driver impatience
As mentioned, driving forms a part of the working day for many people. They have places to be and they have to be there by certain times. The trouble is, when there are potentially thousands of people doing exactly the same thing, the roads can slow down or come to a standstill. This causes impatience.
When a driver becomes impatient, they are more likely to engage in dangerous maneuvers, such as overtaking. Should an overtaking driver fail to anticipate an oncoming vehicle, a head-on collision can occur.
Other contributors to head-on collisions include impairment, low visibility, poor road conditions, distractions and vehicle defects. If you have been injured in a crash, it’s important to establish whether or not negligence was present. If it was, then you may be entitled to personal injury compensation.
