here is a good chance that you were involved in a rear-end collision if you were in an auto accident in Greater Los Angeles. Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of car accident in America. Find out what to do if you are involved in a rear end collision, the California Vehicle Codes that apply to determining fault, and when to employ an car accident lawyer.
California Vehicle Code sections 21703 and 22350
- Section 21703 of Vehicle Code: This section requires that drivers maintain a safe distance between their vehicle and the vehicle in front. This code section doesn’t give a precise distance, but uses the subjective standard that is “reasonable” and prudent. Vague language like this allows a police officer to apply 21703, even in circumstances where the driver may have been several cars away.
- Section 22350 of the Vehicle Code – Also called “speeding”, this section is most frequently used because drivers often exceed the speed limit, which is the leading cause of rear-end accidents. A person who drives faster than the posted speed limit will have a greater chance of causing rear-end collisions. This is because the vehicle’s speed affects how long and how far it takes to stop.
What if I have to suddenly stop and am rear-ended?
Drivers may have to stop suddenly for many reasons. A child running into the street to catch a ball, a driver in front of you suddenly applying the brakes, merging in front of your vehicle, or an unexpected obstacle. The vehicle code sections above outline that even in unexpected circumstances the driver behind your car has the duty to maintain a safe speed, safe distance and keep the brakes on.
What is the Prevalence of Tailgating?
One survey showed that:
- 19% of young drivers admitted that they had been tailgating, compared to 15% for middle-aged drivers and 6% for senior drivers.
- Tailgating was as common for women as it was for men.
- Men who drive sports cars more often than men who drive SUVs (23%), but the reverse is true for women drivers. Only 20% of female drivers of sports cars admitted to tailgating, while 25% of SUV drivers admit to it.
Another survey found this:
- 74% of survey respondents had been tailgated within the past 6 months.
- Only 11% of those cited admitted to tailgating another car.
- 47% didn’t know the safe driving distance.
These numbers are inconsistent and indicate the difficulty of generating accurate statistics using self-reported data. However, it is evident that tailgating is an extremely common practice that has been shown to cause rear-end accidents.
What is a Safe Distance?
There is no one standard for all vehicles. However, there are some general guidelines to help you keep a safe distance between the vehicle in front and you.
- Allow approximately 1 car length for every 10 MPH speed. So, for instance, if you travel 60 MPH, leave roughly 6 car lengths between your vehicle (and the one in front)
- You can use a sign on the road, such as a traffic signal, to count the time it takes for your car to pass the marker. Between the time your car passes the marker and the time when it passes behind you, there should be no less than 3 seconds.
- If it’s raining or the pavement becomes wet, allow an additional second.
Summarized from an article by The Dominguez Firm.
