It might seem innocuous because you are moving relatively slow in a parking lot or any other parking space in which you’d be backing up, however, these are some of the most common types of accidents that are reported across California and the United States.

According to information shared by the National  non-profit Risk Management Center, backup collisions are the most common cause of car accidents since many drivers simply don’t take the time or care to look when they are backing out of a parking lot or a driveway. This could lead to running into a person, slamming into another car or hitting a boundary pole or other stationary object. There are several different steps that you can take to minimize the risks when backing out of a parking space or a driveway. These include:

  • Ensuring that all of your windows are clean and clear.
  • Backing up slowly.
  • Surveying the situation before you get inside the vehicle.
  • Turning around and looking directly behind you even after you’ve checked your mirrors.
  • Turn only after you have cleared all obstacles.

Avoiding backup collisions could help to not only minimize the hassle of running into a stationary object and having to get your car repaired, but also the serious dangers associated with vehicle accidents. Even at slow speeds, backing up too quickly could significantly injure someone and even lead to a personal injury claim. Given that backup collisions are so common; it is important that you take all steps necessary to minimize the devastating impacts that these can have.