In Arkansas, rear-end car accidents remain one of the most common types of car accidents. But many people might not realize just how dangerous rear-end accidents can be. That's why deadly rear-end school bus accidents like one that took place recently in Arkansas serve as a stark reminder of the risks faced by motorists every day.
Ozarks First recently reported that a passenger in a car was killed in a rear-end accident on Arkansas Highway 412 involving a car and a school bus in Arkansas. The driver of the car crashed into the rear end of the school bus. None of the children on the bus were reportedly injured in the accident.
According to Channel 5 News, the passenger killed in the Highway 412 rear-end accident was a teenage girl. The accident happened after the school bus stopped to pick up children on the way to school and the car drove into the back of the school bus.
Why are rear-end accidents so common in Arkansas?
A rear-end motor vehicle accident happens every 17 seconds nationwide, according to official statistics reported on by The Los Angeles Times. In particular, 33 percent of all motor vehicle accidents are rear-end accidents, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Why do rear-end accidents happen so often? Some of the most common causes include:
- Distracted driving - Whether it's talking on the phone or eating while driving, many different activities can distract a driver and result in a serious rear-end accident.
- Texting while driving - Texting while driving is against the law in Arkansas. Unfortunately, that doesn't stop many people from texting while driving.
- Speeding - Driving too fast remains a common cause of rear-end car accidents. That's because fast drivers often don't have enough time to stop to avoid a crash.
- Tailgating - Driving too close to a car in front often results in rear-end crashes. That's why drivers need to leave enough room between them and the car in front.
- Inexperienced drivers - New drivers often take risks because they don't realize how dangerous speeding, tailgating and other activities can be on the road.
What can I do to avoid a rear-end motor vehicle accident?
There are many things drivers can do to avoid causing a rear-end accident, including leaving enough space between you and the driver in front of your vehicle. Slowing down and not texting while driving also often reduce the risk of causing a rear-end accident.
As for avoiding someone ramming into the back of your car, sometimes there's nothing you can do. But if you see someone behind you driving too fast or tailgating, you can always pull over and let the driver behind you pass so you don't become a victim of a rear-end crash.
Auto manufacturers are also taking steps to design cars that do not cause rear-end accidents. The Los Angeles Times reported on robotic braking systems for some vehicles that automatically stop cars about to cause a rear-end accident. Eventually, such automatic braking systems will be a standard feature in many vehicles sold in the United States.
