Causes Of Head-On Collisions

Causes Of Head-On Collisions

The majority of head-on crashes can be attributed to one driver travelling the wrong way, either by crossing the centreline of the roadway or simply by driving in the opposite direction that is marked. Most wrong-way accidents stem from a motorist not exercising reasonable care while driving. There is no one single cause of front impact crashes, but some common reasons these crashes happen include:

 Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving endangers life and property and is the cause of many head-on collisions. As technology use increases, the rate of crashes caused by cell phone use has increased as well. Texting while driving is not only dangerous, but also illegal. Other activities that take drivers’ attention off the road include loud music, adjusting controls in the car, consuming food, and speaking with passengers. It is easy for cars to drift across the centre line when the driver is inattentive.

Impaired Driving 

Unfortunately, some drivers are irresponsible enough to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication. Drinking alcohol and using drugs has a profound effect on driving skills, reducing a driver’s reaction time considerably. Many times, intoxicated motorists don’t realize they are driving the wrong way until it’s too late. Driving while impaired is a frequently occurring cause of head-on crashes and often leads to the most devastating consequences.

Fatigued Driving

Operating a motor vehicle while sleep deprived can have similar effects as drinking and driving. Drowsy driving often occurs when a driver has not slept enough, has worked long shift hours, or has been on the road for an extended period of time. A number of frontal impact crashes are caused by tired drivers who fall asleep at the steering wheel and veer into oncoming traffic. The accident can happen in the blink of an eye and can cause serious injuries and even death.

 Driver Confusion

There are times a driver becomes confused when travelling on an unfamiliar road and may end up heading in the wrong direction as a result. Confusion over one-way roads has been cited as the cause of many car crashes. Ageing drivers often have trouble seeing at night, causing them to enter highways and ramps going the wrong side of the road. Regardless of the reason, driver confusion puts roadway users at a risk for serious head-on collisions.

Speeding

It is a well-known fact that speeding endangers everyone on the road. Motor vehicle operators who drive well above the posted speed limit or drive too fast for the road conditions are more likely to lose control of their car and skid into oncoming traffic. When two vehicles crash head-on at a high speed, it is almost guaranteed that the victims will suffer catastrophic, if not deadly injuries.

Improper Overtaking

Many front-end collisions occur on rural two-lane highways. Impatient drivers often become frustrated when they are stuck behind a slow travelling vehicle. These drivers may choose to pass the car ahead of them on a  continous yellow line. Passing on a two-lane road is always risky, even if it is legal. Anytime a driver intentionally enters the lane of oncoming traffic, they risk causing a head-on crash.