Rear-end accidents can range from so-called “fender benders” to serious and life-threatening crashes. Many factors contribute to the severity of these kinds of accidents ranging from speed to weather and the temperament of traffic. Sadly, when all these risky road conditions combine, the results can be disastrous.

In a recent Del Mar accident, a man was tragically killed following a rear-end car accident that occurred during a traffic jam. According to San Diego 7 News (2/19/2015), the man was stuck in traffic on I-5 North near Del Mar Heights Road when another driver failed to heed the slowing traffic. The driver in question is reported to have been traveling freeway speeds before colliding into the back of the man’s car.

The accident occurred around 7 a.m. – a time of day when traffic is notoriously “stop and go,” not to mention often foggy with San Diego’s marine layer.

Although medical responders attempted to resuscitate the man, he sadly passed away in the ambulance due to head and body injury. The other driver was reported to have also sustained personal injury according to the California Highway Patrol.

STOP AND GO TRAFFIC: A LINE OF DEFENSE

Stop and go traffic can be very dangerous. Your focus on the road must be constant. And in the event of distraction, catastrophe could be eminent.

It’s never been more important to stay focused during your morning and evening commutes: Your life – and others’ lives – depend on it. Here’s what you can do to stay proactive on our San Diego roadways and prevent the next rear-end accident.

SLOW DOWN

This one might seem obvious, but how many times have we seen other drivers weave in and out of traffic in an attempt to find that pocket of open roadway? Even if you’re running late, these types of maneuvers are completely unsafe. Slow down, take your time and avoid weaving in and out of traffic.

THREE SECOND RULE

Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead. To ensure adequate space, count three seconds from the vehicle ahead and a stationary object. When weather becomes an issue, leave even more space – five to seven seconds – to ensure you have plenty of time to react.

ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS

You may think you have texting and driving down to an art, but don’t learn the hard way. Please, put your phone away – consider locking it in your glove box – and simply focus on the road ahead. Don’t think about texting and driving – EVER – much less in traffic! You are setting yourself and others up for disaster. We urge all San Diegans to simply put the phone down and drive.

LOOK AROUND AND BE AWARE

Check your rear view and side view mirrors often. Look around. Scan the road ahead. In other words, be proactive. Needless to say, stop and go traffic can change in a heartbeat – will you be prepared?

LISTEN TO CALMING MUSIC

Why would we recommend calming music? Because it’s just that… calming! Stop and go traffic is indeed maddening. We all have places to be and we want to get there on time. Understandable. Nevertheless, you can’t do anything to change the existing situation so why not listen to some calming tunes to put your nerves at rest? Calming music can also prevent road rage which, when combined with traffic, could be highly perilous.

CONSIDER USING BACKROADS

San Diego is full of less-traveled backroads that can be great timesavers when it comes to traffic. Look on a map and try a new route. Give yourself ample time just in case. And, if the backroad appears dangerous in any way or is simply too winding, rocky or otherwise disparate, then use common sense and get back onto the main roadway.

WHEN CAR ACCIDENT INJURY OCCURS, CALL A LAWYER

A personal injury lawyer can help you if you have been injured in a car accident. For a completely FREE legal consultation, give us a call now at 1-858-551-2090 and speak to a car accident attorney right away. You may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Call now.