Did you know that side-swipe collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents? While there are so many ways you could find yourself involved in a car wreck or collision, staying safe on the interstate or highway is crucial.
As any auto accident can be exponentially worse due to high driving speeds, being extra mindful and cautious on the interstate will pay off in the long run. However, if you haven’t really thought about this before, it may be time to take a deeper dive into what hazards or types of accidents to be wary of on the road.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the most common types of interstate auto accidents. In order to best equip you on the road, you’ll want to be aware of these scenarios. To discern how to be the best driver you can while driving on the highway, please keep reading.
Most Common Types of Interstate Collisions:
- Merging Accidents
- Center Division Accidents
- Interstate Bottleneck Collisions
- Highway Debris Collisions
Merging Accidents
Have you ever been merging onto the highway and gotten nervous? Well, if so, you’re just like the rest of us!
Merging onto the interstate can be tricky and even nerve wracking, especially during times of heavy traffic. Merging into oncoming traffic is often one of the most common ways to get into an accident on the highway. As other cars and trucks already on the road are driving at high speeds - anything from 50-70mph - as a slower driver, you’ll want to be extra cautious.
In order to avoid a rear-end collision with fast, oncoming traffic, be sure to pause before merging onto the road. Double check over your shoulder and be sure to check your blind spots. While there’s no need to come to a complete stop, taking a few extra seconds to ensure your car won’t be demolished is worth the effort.
Center Divider Accidents
Another common auto accident to be wary of while driving on the highway deals with literally interstate architecture. Common on most highway systems, you’re bound to see a center divider separating both sides of traffic.
When driving at such high speeds, it can be tricky taking swift oncoming turns. In order to avoid colliding with the center divider on the road and spinning out into traffic, you’ll want to maintain a consistent speed and work on staying in your lane. In doing so, you could save a life - even your own.
When merging into another lane while on the highway, be sure to keep an eye out for the median or center divider so you don’t over correct your merge turn. In instances where we are forced to merge quickly, it can be easy to turn our wheels harshly. With this, you run the risk of crashing into the center divider or any other concrete separation obstacle. Be mindful of your surroundings and the space you take up on the road.
Interstate Bottleneck Collisions
Often classified as an accident caused by sharp curving turns, interstate bottleneck collisions can be tricky to avoid if you are unfamiliar with the roadway system. When driving on the highways, especially in areas you are less familiar with, it is important to be mindful of your speed.
While it is not recommended to decrease your speed immensely, it is recommended that when turning a curve on the interstate that you slow down slightly in order to maintain control of your vehicle. This is especially true if you are driving in extreme weather as well.
When it rains, the road becomes more slick. If you are on the highway, a sudden curve could lead your vehicle to hydroplane. Be mindful of turns, unexpected and expected, while on the highway system to avoid bottleneck collisions.
Highway Debris Collisions
From obstacles such as blown out tires, excess metal parts, litter or even roadkill, debris on the highway can lead to a horrible accident. When on the road, especially the interstate, be mindful of your speed and surroundings. If you aren’t paying attention to the road, you may miss a large obstacle in your way.
No matter how big or small, a piece of debris on the highway could lead you to blow a tire, collide with oncoming traffic, or even spin out of control. Practicing cautious, mindful driving techniques will ensure you avoid colliding with interstate debris and in turn, other vehicles.
