How to Avoid an Auto Collision in AZ

Did you know there were 127,064 car accidents in Arizona during 2017? Maricopa county accounted for 93,596 of these collisions. Almost half of the accidents occurred in the city of Phoenix while Scottsdale reported 4,149 auto collisions. Please continue reading if you’re wondering how to avoid an accident and the need for collision repair.

The most common type of collision in Arizona is a rear end collision, followed by accidents involving a left turn. Scottsdale collision repair facilities can vouch for this data reported by the Arizona Department of Transportation. The list below shows many types of collisions that cause an unwanted trip to Scottsdale Auto Body Shops:

• • Angle: 16,255
  • Left Turn: 17,792
  • Rear End: 48,187
  • Head-On: 1,834
  • Sideswipe (same): 15,774
  • Sideswipe (opposite): 1,489
  • U-Turn: 1
  • Other*: 6,178
  • Unknown: 684

Interesting Auto Collision Facts:

• Sunday and Monday are the least likely days to be involved in an auto collision while Friday and Saturday are the most likely.
• 90,444 accidents took place during daylight hours
• 113,225 accidents occurred during clear weather conditions
• Most weekday auto collisions occur around 7:00 AM, and 3:00 PM-6:00 PM
• Most weekend auto collisions occur around 6:30 PM
• Crashes during weekends accounted for 25.57% of all crashes
• Out of the 249,123 drivers, 190,257 were not distracted during the collision
• The most common violation related to an accident is “speed too fast for conditions”.

It is surprising that a great deal of these auto collisions occurs during weekday daytime hours and when road conditions are clear. Most drivers would guess the bulk of accidents are due to rain, darkness, distraction or impairment. However, statistics show speeding and failure to yield to the right away are the most common causes of an auto collision.

How to Avoid a Rear End Accident and the Need for Collision Repair:

• Slow down- The speed limit posted is the maximum speed limit.
• Maintain a safe following distance- This will allow you enough time to perceive the car in front of you is braking and give you enough time to press the brake and stop the car safely.
• The Department of Transportation recommends using the 3-second rule. Choose an object on or near the road ahead to use as a stationary reference point. As soon as the rear end of the vehicle in front of you passes the object, start counting: one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three. If you pass the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Increase your following distance when driving on slippery roads, or in low visibility. Low visibility in Arizona could be caused by the strong glare of the sun! Tailgaters, semi trucks or vehicles that make frequent stops will also require you to leave extra room.
• Be Aware of Your Surroundings- Scan the road ahead of you, but also be alert to road conditions at your sides and behind you. If you are faced with an unexpected circumstance- debris in the road, a stalled car, an accident or an emergency vehicle approaching you-you will have options to safely avoid the obstacle. Checking your mirrors and staying out of another vehicle’s blind spot is also advised.
• Be Predictable- Know what you plan to do. This means signaling, slowing gradually and making sure your brake lights work properly.

Stop Yourself from Speeding

• Relax yourself before driving.
• Leave earlier so you don’t rush to your destination.
• Pay close attention to the speedometer.
• Use the cruise control option to set a speed.
• Drive a little bit under the speed limit.

Tips for Making Left Hand Turns

• Use a turn signal
• Only make a turn you can safely complete
• Check your blind spots
• Know your surroundings
• Yield to pedestrians and those who have the right of way
• Stop with plenty of warning
• Do not cut corners

Airpark Collision Center is the leading Scottsdale collision repair facility. Numerous manufacturer and industry certifications ensure a proper repair that returns your vehicle back to its original condition. Walk in or click for a quick online estimate.