How to avoid the 5 most common crashes

In NSW, around 90% of road crashes are caused by just five types of situation. NRMA’s corporate driver training explains how to reduce that risk.

What are the most common car accidents, and how can you avoid them?

1. Rear-end collisions

Keeping the right amount of stopping space between vehicles is the best preventative measure you can take.

• Aim for a three-second following distance from the vehicle in front.

• Leave more space in poor conditions.

• Leave at least half a car length from the one in front of you when stopped.

Safety tip To estimate a three-second gap, count “One – 1000, two – 2000, three – 3000” when you see the vehicle in front pass an object like a tree or telephone pole. If you pass the object before you finish counting, you are too close.

2. Side-on crashes

Thinking ahead and being ready with the brakes can avoid this situation.

• Do not place trust in other drivers.

• Estimate your stopping needs.

• Prepare to use the brakes, slow down or move away from the hazard.

• Check for vehicles running the red light before moving off at the lights.

Safety tip: To set up the brakes, move your foot quickly and gently to the brake and apply light pressure – just enough to take up any free-play but not slow the car.

3. The head-on crash

The width of your seat could be all you need to prevent a fatal head-on from happening to you.

• Recognise the risk. Centre lines and median strips don’t stop vehicles crossing to your side of the road.

• Buffer from oncoming traffic – a small movement can make a big difference.

• Move left on crests and curves when you can’t see oncoming traffic.

• Use the left lane where possible.

• Be aware of vehicles waiting to turn across your path.

Safety Tip: As a guide, position your body in the middle of the lane, rather than your vehicle. This will keep your vehicle to the left of a lane and give you that extra car width from oncoming traffic. Of course, if there are hazards on your left, move away from them. Do what you can, when you can.

4 and 5. Off-path straight and curved crashes

Tiredness and distractions are just a couple of the causes here. Alertness is key.

• Manage driver fatigue.

• Don’t drink and drive.

• Avoid distractions such as using a mobile phone, changing music, and eating and drinking.

• Pull over – it only takes a minute.

• Avoid driving in the blind spot of other vehicles, many drivers don’t look over their shoulders or use their indicators before changing lanes.

• Avoid dawn or dusk in country areas when wildlife is most active.

• Keeping a three-second gap helps estimate vision – you should always be able to see at least twice as far ahead as the car in front.

Safety tip: Pre-book a hotel on long trips so you won’t be tempted to drive further than you should.