Rear-Enders: Common Causes and Michigan's Traffic Rules To Prevent Them

If you own a car and are licensed to drive, chances are pretty good you or someone you know will be rear-ended at some point. If you are involved in a rear-end collision, you could be looking at a variety of scenarios. It could be as a simple as a minor fender-bender that barely scratches the paint, or serious enough to be potentially lethal or cause you or loved ones debilitating injuries. Just this last Tuesday, an SUV in Detroit was rear-ended at I-75 and Warren, causing it to flip and trapping an infant inside. Fortunately, Good Samaritan bystander, Teri Falcon, rescued the infant who was dangling upside down inside. This just goes to show how dangerous these common accidents can be. 

Rear-end crashes happen for many reasons, but most accidents are totally preventable. If you or a loved one has been in an accident, our vehicle accident attorneys are here to help.

Common Reasons for Rear-Enders

Some of the most common causes include:

• Distracted Driving: Drivers commonly engage in a number of activities in their vehicles that take attention away from the road. Some of the most frequent distractions involve texting, talking to passengers, putting on makeup, eating, talking on a cell phone, looking behind in the backseat at children, and fishing around for items in the car.

• Panic Braking: While drivers are distracted by many things within their vehicles, there are just as many things that happen outside their vehicles that can cause sudden surprise, leading to panicked braking. A vehicle suddenly braking may cause drivers coming up from behind to rear-end them. Some common outside distractions include sudden accidents occurring on the road ahead, police presence, road hazards (e.g. potholes or icy roads), and children, pedestrians, or animals walking out into the road.

• Dangerous Weather and Road Conditions: Hazardous weather can cause slick, icy roads, and can cause reduced visibility from whiteouts, heavy rain, fog, or blinding direct sunlight.

• Drunk Driving: Drunk driving or impaired driving are top causes for crashes. Being under the influence impairs both judgment and reaction time. Intoxicated drivers may more frequently follow a car too closely, brake erratically, speed excessively, and ignore road hazards.

• Speeding and Tailgating: People seem to forget that when they get in the driver seat, they are controlling a heavy-duty, fast-moving, potentially lethal machine. Speeding and tailgating are major reasons why rear-end collisions happen, but Michigan enforces traffic laws aimed at cutting down these types of accidents.

Keep Speed Reasonable, Keep a Clear Distance Ahead

The Michigan Basic Speed Law addresses excess speeding and tailgating. It says, in part, that vehicles should travel at a “careful and prudent speed not greater than nor less than is reasonable and proper, having due regard to the traffic, surface, and width of the highway and of any other condition then existing.” With tough winter conditions including slick roads and low visibility, this rule basically tells people to use common sense and slow down when road conditions suggest it is necessary.

The Basic Speed Law also says drivers shouldn’t be going faster than would  allow “stop[ping] within the assured, clear distance ahead.” This is meant to prevent rear-enders from happening. It’s true that things surprise us all the time on the road and that distractions are sometimes just a part of life. However, keeping a clear distance ahead of you means maintaining enough buffer to brake without hitting the person in front of you when those surprises and distractions come up. In other words—no tailgating!

What this ultimately amounts to is common sense. If there is a blizzard, don't drive 75 mph. If the roads are slippery with black ice, don't tailgate the car in front of you. There are other less obvious factors courts look at in these cases like the time of day, whether the rear-ended vehicle was lawfully traveling or stationary, and other circumstances, but if you've been in an accident you should see an experienced attorney to have your case fully evaluated.

While most accidents fit into certain patterns, the facts making up each accident are unique, so you should trust only a seasoned vehicle accident attorney to assess the merits of your case. Our highly experienced Sachs Waldman attorneys will carefully analyze the aspects of your case to advise you on your best options. Call our Detroit personal injury law firm at (800) 638-6722 for a free consultation.