While many fear elevators and plane rides, a bigger safety threat is driving. Each day, nearly 3,700 people lose their lives due to motor accidents.

One of the scariest types of car accidents is a head-on collision, where two vehicles drive into each other, often at high speeds.

Learn more about head-on collisions with these four essential facts.

1. Head-on Collisions Are the Most Dangerous Type of Collision

Imagine sitting in a non-moving car as another car comes crashing into your windshield at full force. Now imagine that you’re moving too, driving towards a car as it barrels into you.

Head-on collisions combine the velocity of two vehicles driving towards each other, leading to a dangerous amount of force. That’s why head-on collisions are considered to be the most dangerous type of collision on the road. In fact, 2% of collisions are head-on collisions, yet they account for around 10% of all car accident fatalities.

2. They Cause a Variety of Serious Injuries

It’s no surprise that car accidents can lead to injuries. But head-on collision injuries are among the worst imaginable.

While a head-on car crash can cause mild whiplash at best, it can also lead to serious injuries such as:

• traumatic brain and head injuries
• spinal cord injuries
• internal bleeding
• broken bones
• neck injuries
• burns and lacerations

In some cases, these injuries can cause debilitating disabilities, paralysis, and other issues that can greatly hinder your quality of life.

3. Avoiding an Oncoming Car Can Be Just as Dangerous

Despite the fact that two cars drive towards each other in a head-on collision, typically only one driver is responsible for the crash.

You may think, then, that the other driver can simply swerve away to avoid being hit. But this can be equally dangerous, especially on a busy highway or near hazards like a body of water.

That doesn’t mean drivers can never swerve away to avoid an oncoming car. But dodging the other car requires time to check surroundings before swerving away, which not all drivers have.

Remember, if you’re in a head-on collision and were fully abiding by safe driving laws and practices, you are typically not responsible for the accident, even if you failed to swerve or change lanes.

4. Most Head-on Collisions Are Preventable

Head-on collisions are relatively rare, but for the ones that do occur, most are preventable.

Many head-on collisions are the result of driver error from drunk driving, drowsy driving, or driver confusion. In other cases, poor road conditions lead to head-on collisions. This is particularly common on rural roads with little lighting and unclear lane markings.

No one should be the victim of a head-on collision. If you or a loved one has been in a head-on collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and suffering.

Contact a head-on collision lawyer for help. Learn more about preparing for an appointment with a lawyer at danielstarklaw.com.

Protect Yourself From Head-on Collisions

The road can be a dangerous place, and at times it can be hard to avoid accidents such as head-on collisions.

Practice safe driving habits and stay alert behind the wheel. And if you ever find yourself in a head-on collision, be sure to protect yourself with the help of a reliable lawyer.

For more on car accidents and the rules of the road, read our other personal injury articles!