Rear-end collisions are among the most common kinds of vehicle accidents. They usually appear to be minor crashes, and yet they can cause severe injuries, including TBI.
One specific crash avoidance feature may help you avoid a head injury if installed on the car rapidly approaching your rear bumper.
When it all began
There are so many safety features on today’s cars and trucks that we may take these innovations for granted. However, they are much in demand by buyers of both new and pre-owned vehicles. Rear-end collisions account for more than 40 percent of all vehicle accidents across the U.S. This has been an issue for decades, but a serious effort to reduce rear-enders began with the installation of high-mounted brake lights on all 1986 model vehicles. The third brake light did its job. According to findings generated by an insurance institute study, the 1986 model cars had 5 percent fewer rear-end crashes than expected between 1986 and 1991.
Head injuries are common
The jolt one driver experiences when another driver runs into the back of his or her vehicle, even at low speed, causes the head to snap back and forth, which can literally rattle the brain and cause it to smash against the inside of the skull. The impact can also cause the driver’s head to hit the steering wheel or windshield. At the very least, the victim may be diagnosed with a concussion, but the impact may also result in a more serious traumatic brain injury.
Modern technology
Although it is not yet available on all makes of cars, automatic braking is one new feature experts believe will reduce the number of rear-end collisions in the U.S., or at least the resulting severe injuries. Built-in sensors anticipate an impending crash and automatically apply the brakes. This is one example of driver-assist technology designed to cut vehicle accidents down significantly.
Exploring options
Traffic can be heavy on certain roads in middle Tennessee, and you could find yourself a victim of a rear-end collision. On the other hand, automatic braking on the car coming up behind you at a stop light may save you from experiencing an accident and a serious, life-changing head injury.