There are several types of traffic collisions that can occur. Damage to the vehicle and occupant injury can usually determine the direction of the collision’s impact. Let’s examine some of the most common types of collisions and the effects they can have.
Rear-End Collisions: The most common type of crash is a rear-end collision — where one vehicle strikes another from behind. They are most frequently the result of dangerous driving behavior, such as speeding, tailgating, braking too late, or inattention, but can also result from driver negligence and poor brake maintenance. This type of collision usually results in less damage than other types of collisions because the vehicle being hit also moves forward in the crash, cushioning the blow somewhat. Whiplash injuries may result from rear-enders.
Head-On Collisions: A head-on crash occurs when two vehicles crash face to face. These are typically the most deadly types of collisions involving two vehicles, particularly if occupants are not wearing seat belts. The vehicles involved stop instantly, and unsecured occupants are thrown forward into the dashboard or windshield, and sometimes ejected from the vehicle.
Side/Angle Collisions: At intersections, the most severe type of collision occurs when one vehicle crashes head-on into the side of another vehicle at a right angle. This often results when drivers run red lights or make turns at an intersection without checking for cross traffic. Because the sides of a vehicle are less reinforced than the front or rear, a side collision can be more dangerous to occupants than a head-on collision at the same speed.
Sideswipe Collisions: A sideswipe often occurs when a driver fails to signal, drives too close to the center line, changes lanes without looking, or fails to pay attention while attempting to pass or change lanes. It can occur between two vehicles traveling in either the same or opposite directions. These are normally not serious, although the vehicles will still be damaged.
Vehicle Rollover: A rollover is one of the most violent types of collisions, as well as one of the most deadly. It occurs when a vehicle overturns. A rollover can be caused by turning too sharply while traveling at high speeds or by hitting objects such as curbs with the wheels. This type of collision has gained extra attention in recent years because SUVs tend to roll over due to their high center of gravity, but it can occur with any type of vehicle. Rollovers are mainly single-vehicle collisions, but can involve other vehicles as well.
No matter what type of collision occurs, damage to the vehicle is likely to occur. The extent of the damage typically depends on the type of collision. To help avoid collisions or, at the very least, minimize the amount of damage to your vehicle, remember to always practice driving defensively and stay alert for potential hazards.