There are not many drivers that will avoid being in a car accident of some sort over the years. Some accidents are completely devastating while others are just minor. The most common type of accident is a fender bender. It is called a fender bender because most of the time there is damage to the fenders or bumpers on the cars. Every year there are millions of fender benders around the world. Most of them do not result in any physical damage to the drivers or passengers. Property damage typically occurs in fender benders though.
How Common are Fender Benders? How to Avoid a Minor Car Accident
One of the best ways to prevent fender benders is to know what the common causes of them are. Experts have reported that distraction, lack of sleep, and the weather are the three most common causes of fender benders.
Distracted Driving – If you are not fully paying attention when you are on the road you are putting yourself at an extremely high risk of getting in an accident. Many states have laws that ban texting or talking on the phone without headphones while you are driving to help prevent drivers from driving while they are distracted by their phones. Being on your phone is not the only distraction for drivers though. Many people are changing their clothes, putting on make-up, or eating as they are driving as well. Driving while distracted makes you lose your focus. It only takes a second to run into the back of someone else’s car. Make sure that you are paying attention while driving to help reduce the number of accidents on the road.
Driving Tired – Numerous studies have shown that Americans are not getting enough sleep each night. When you get behind the wheel when you are tired your reaction time is greatly decreased. If you cannot react quickly enough you are likely to crash into the car in front of you. Tired drivers are known for causing fender benders because they just did not stop fast enough. If you actually fall asleep while driving you will likely be in a large accident that will cause physical damage to you or the passengers in your car. If you are tired see if someone else can drive.
Car Accidents Caused by Rain & Bad Weather – The weather is also a major contributing factor to fender benders. If it is raining or snowing outside the traction of your tires is reduced. Many times cars hit the car in front of them because they slid forward on the road after applying the brakes due to the rain or snow on the road. If you are driving in inclement weather you will want to give yourself plenty of extra room to start, stop, and make any maneuvers.
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So what do you do if you end up in a fender bender? First you will want to make sure that everyone in your car is okay. Then you will want to get out assess the cars. Sometimes there is not damage to either car in a minor fender bender and you can both go on your way. Other times you will need to have your car repaired. If your fender has been damaged in an accident, Top Notch Body Shop & Mechanics can help you get it fixed and back on the road in no time. Call us for all your auto body needs!
