The National Safety Council reported 46,980 fatal crashes nationwide in 2021. Car accidents can happen in various ways and result in varying degrees of severity.
Some accidents, unfortunately, are more deadly than others due to the force of impact and the vulnerability of the occupants involved.
Angle or T-bone collisions
Angle collisions occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another at an angle, creating a “T” shape. These accidents often happen at intersections when one vehicle fails to yield the right-of-way or runs a red light. Angle collisions are particularly dangerous because the side of a vehicle has less structural protection and crumple zones than the front or rear.
The risk of severe injury or fatality in an angle collision is high, especially for the occupants on the side that bears the brunt of the impact. Common injuries include head trauma, spinal injuries and fractures.
Head-on collisions
Head-on collisions are among the most deadly types of car accidents. They occur when the front of one vehicle crashes directly into the front of another. The combined speed of both vehicles increases the force of impact, leading to catastrophic consequences.
Rear-end collisions
While rear-end collisions are common, they can also be deadly, especially at high speeds. In these accidents, one vehicle strikes the rear of another. Rear-end accidents are especially deadly for vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians or cyclists.
These collisions stand out as some of the deadliest types. They often result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the force of impact and the vulnerabilities of the occupants. to reduce the risk of such crashes, drivers must exercise caution, obey traffic laws and drive defensively.