Avoiding Rear-End Collisions - Large Vehicles (US)

Rear-end collisions can be very serious since the vehicle that is struck from behind is usually stopped or moving very slowly while the other vehicle is in motion. The potential for catastrophe is amplified when the vehicle in motion is a large truck and the vehicle that is struck is a smaller vehicle such as an automobile. Although statistics indicate that the majority of collisions involving trucks and automobiles are caused by the driver of the automobile, we want to focus on ways to avoid those accidents regardless of who is at fault. In fatal collisions where the truck driver was at fault, the majority of these collisions involved the truck striking the automobile from the rear. In this lesson we will focus on several common causes and scenarios concerning rear-end collisions. There are also actual collisions cited as examples for most situations. Most professional drivers have been instructed on defensive driving, yet rear-end collisions still occur. Many times the cause is not because the driver did not know to allow an ample following distance, but rather because his or her mind was preoccupied with something other than driving. This is the point that needs to be stressed to the drivers. So what do we want you to take away from this training? We want you to remember to keep your mind on your driving. Know what's happening on the road ahead and be prepared to stop in time for the unexpected.