Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people are killed in road traffic collisions every year in the U.S. On top of that, millions are injured, with many people having to live with life-changing health conditions.
While all types of car crashes can be serious, head-on collisions are particularly noteworthy. Head-on collisions occur when two vehicles collide whilst traveling in opposite directions, resulting in a combined impact.
What are some of the most common causes of head-on collisions?
Distractions
There are many ways that a driver can become distracted. Some drivers simply become lost in thought. Others may be consumed by road rage and aggression. In many cases, cell phones are at the center of distracted driving incidents.
While it only takes a few seconds to read or send a text message, this is a lifetime in terms of driving. Those few seconds could result in the driver straying over the center line and hitting an oncoming vehicle.
Fatigue
The dangers of fatigued driving have been well highlighted in recent years. Unfortunately, some road users still head out onto the roads when they are fatigued. Not only does being fatigued reduce a person’s reaction times, but the driver may actually fall asleep. This means that they have no control over the vehicle.
Even if a driver only falls asleep for a second, this is enough time to stray into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
If you’re facing mounting medical bills after a car crash or you’ve lost a loved one, you may be entitled to financial compensation. By seeking legal guidance you’ll be able to assess your options in more detail.