Failure to yield can cause all sorts of crashes, but six specific types are the most common. Knowing what they are and how to avoid them is vital for keeping yourself and others safe on the road. Here is a look at each type of crash and some tips on preventing them.
Rear-End Accidents
Failing to yield is one of the most common causes of rear-end accidents. When a driver fails to yield, it means that they do not give the right of way to another driver who has the right to proceed. It can happen when a driver does not correctly signal before turning or when they try to merge into traffic without checking to see if there is an opening. Failing to yield can also occur when a driver ignores a stop sign or red light.
Rear-end accidents are often caused by aggressive driving, but they can also be caused by simply ignoring the road. Whatever the cause, rear-end accidents can be devastating, causing property damage, injuries, and even fatalities.
Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe accidents are widespread at intersections because when one driver fails to yield, they often swerve into oncoming traffic instead of stopping. It can cause severe damage to both vehicles and may even result in injuries or fatalities. Drivers must yield the right of way at every intersection they approach, even if they believe they have a green light.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on collisions are some of the most dangerous types of accidents that can occur on the road and are common in failure-to-yield scenarios. They are often caused by drivers who fail to yield the right of way, and the resulting impact can cause severe injury or even death. Always yielding the right of way when merging onto a highway or making a left turn at an intersection is essential to avoid a head-on collision.
Rollover Accidents
One of the most common causes of rollover accidents is failure to yield. A driver failing to yield the right of way can often result in a collision, and the crash can cause the vehicle to roll over if the impact is severe enough. In addition to causing property damage, rollover accidents can result in serious injuries or even death. It is crucial that all drivers are mindful of their surroundings and always give way when needed.
Pedestrian Accidents
Every day, people across the country put their lives at risk by failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians. This dangerous behaviour can lead to serious accidents at a busy intersection or a quiet neighborhood street. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents are rising, with more than 6,000 people killed in traffic accidents in 2021. In many cases, these accidents could have been prevented if drivers had yielded the right way. When drivers fail to yield, they put pedestrians in danger and other motorists. By taking a moment to yield the right of way, drivers can help make our roads safer for everyone.
Multiple Vehicle Accidents
One of the most common causes of multiple-vehicle accidents is failure to yield. A driver failing to yield the right-of-way can result in a collision with oncoming traffic. In some cases, this can cause a chain reaction involving multiple vehicles. Not only is this dangerous for the drivers and passengers involved, but it can also cause significant traffic delays. Failure to yield is often caused by distracted driving, such as texting or talking on the phone. It can also be caused by speeding or aggressive driving. Whatever the cause, it is essential to remember that yielding the right-of-way is vital to keeping everyone on the road safe.
We have looked at six crashes caused by drivers failing to yield. It is essential to be aware of these dangers and take the necessary precautions while driving, especially when sharing the road with larger vehicles. Remember, if you ever have any questions about yielding or what to do in a specific situation, always consult your state’s driver’s handbook.
