One of the many things New York City is known for is heavy traffic. As a driver navigating the streets of NYC, there is a relatively high chance of getting involved in a rear-end collision. These accidents are most often caused by driver error. The leading cause is distracted driving, followed by tailgating, speeding and driver impairment.
Distracted Driving and New York City Rear-End Car Accidents
Distracted driving is a prevalent problem in New York City. Despite state law making it illegal to use a handheld electronic device while driving, cell phones are a significant cause of distracted driving accidents each year. Other top causes of driver distraction are eating and drinking, personal grooming, adjusting the radio, looking at maps or GPS, reading billboards, and vehicle passengers.
If a driver does not dedicate 100 percent of his or her attention to the driving task, the odds of a rear-end collision significantly increase. This is especially true in heavy or congested traffic conditions, which is often the case in New York City. In bumper-to-bumper traffic, drivers are expected to pay attention to the road and hit the brakes when needed to prevent colliding with other vehicles.
If a driver is distracted by a cell phone or something else, his or her reaction times can be delayed enough to collide with the back of the vehicle he or she is following. Distracted drivers may not touch the brakes prior to the time of impact, often leading to high-speed collisions with serious injuries.
Following Too Closely in New York City
New York City drivers are legally required to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law §1129(a) prohibits following too closely, otherwise known as tailgating. This law states:
“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicles and the traffic upon and the condition of the highway.”
If a driver negligently or intentionally follows another vehicle too closely, this increases the odds of a rear-end collision. Tailgating shortens the amount of time and distance a driver has to come to a stop before colliding with another car.
Speeding and Rear-End Collisions
Another factor behind many rear-end collisions in New York City is speeding. If a driver is exceeding posted speed limits or driving too fast for conditions, this decreases the amount of time he or she has to notice a changing roadway situation and brake to avoid a rear-end collision. It is especially important for drivers to reduce their speeds in dangerous weather conditions, such as rain or snow, as they may need more time to stop to prevent rear-end impacts.
Driver Impairment or Fatigue
If a motor vehicle driver is impaired by drugs, alcohol or fatigue, it can impede his or her ability to maintain a safe following distance and stop in time to avoid a collision. Driver impairment affects reaction times, reflexes, physical strength, attention and decision-making. Being less alert behind the wheel for any reason increases the odds of a rear-end crash.
Mechanical Failures
Driver error is the number one cause of rear-end collisions in New York City, but it is not the only possibility. Another factor is mechanical failure, such as brake failure, steering problems, tire blowouts, or broken brake lights or taillights. Issues with a motor vehicle’s parts or maintenance can increase the chances of a rear-end car accident by making one or both vehicles unroadworthy.
If you were recently involved in a rear-end collision in New York City, contact the Garden City car accident attorneys at Abaev Law Firm, PLLC to discuss what might be the cause and your legal rights.