Different Types of Vehicle Collisions and How to Avoid Them

PEKIN, Ill.,–– According to the National Safety Council, in 2016, over 4.6 million people were injured in car accidents last year. At Velde Ford, your safety is our biggest priority. We want our customers to maintain their and their passenger's safety and prepare themselves for any vehicle situation on and off the road. We've put together a list of different types of vehicle collisions and how to avoid them to reduce your chances of getting into a car accident. While, in some cases, it can be impossible to stop an accident from occurring, this list should help remind you to remain alert and ready to reduce or prevent an accident.

Single Car Accidents

Single car accidents are exactly as they sound, because they only involve one vehicle. These types of accidents can be caused by a wide range of factors, from runaway deer to slippery roads, but usually occur when drivers aren't paying attention or aren't properly adjusting their driving to the condition of the road. These types of accidents can cause a wide range of damage and injury depending on the impact point and severity of the accident, but are one of the most preventable types collisions. Remaining alert and utilizing your mirrors, windshield wipers, lights and high-beams, and keeping close watch of warning signs and nearby drivers can help to reduce the chances of a single car accident from occurring.

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident and occur when one driver hits another from behind, typically causing damage to both vehicles. Depending on the speed of the rear-ender, damages can be very minor or potentially very costly and can even deploy airbags. The vehicle that rear-ends another usually receives more damage, and in some instances, can severely damage critical components of their vehicle. The best way to prevent rear-end collisions from happening is by keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. Keep your eyes on the road to avoid any potential distractions, and be prepared to brake in emergencies or when following other drivers closely in traffic. 

Side-Impact Collisions

Better known as "T-bone" or "broadside" collisions, side-impact collisions are when the side of one vehicle is hit by the front of another. The speed of both vehicles and the angle at which the side-impacter hits the other vehicle can cause potentially extreme vehicle damage and injuries to persons within the vehicles. These types of collisions can be very expensive and dangerous, because they typically involve body work in repair, and are most likely to occur at intersections and stops. Going slow and paying attention to other drivers, even during green lights, is the best way to prevent side-impact collisions.

Sideswipe Collisions

Different from side-impact collisions, sideswipe collisions happen when two vehicles driving parallel to one another touch and "swipe" each other. The damage range for sideswipe collisions is entirely dependent on the direction both vehicles are heading, the speed, and the impact itself. If both vehicles are traveling in the same direction and neither lose any control, they may only suffer minor cosmetic damage. However, if they're going separate directions, it can cause vehicles to lose control and spin into objects or other vehicles, causing property damage and personal injury. To avoid these types of collisions, keep an eye on your blind spots before switching lanes and make sure to avoid vehicles you see that are swerving or driving close to or over the lane lines. 

Multi-Car Pileups

Involving two or more vehicles, multi-car pileups are most likely to happen on highways and freeways. Multi-car pileups can occur vey quickly and can be among the most expensive types of accidents due to the multi-risk factor. They can potentially cause fires, severe injuries, and costly damage or vehicle totaling. If you're involved in this type of collision, stay in your vehicle to avoid the risk of getting injured from what's happening outside. Keeping a safe distance from other vehicles and being aware of the road's condition will greatly reduce your risk of getting in a multi-car pileup. Remaining attentive of all situations will ensure your safety on the highway.

We know that it's impossible to predict the behavior of other drivers, but informing yourself on different types of vehicle collisions and how to avoid them will increase your safety on the road and minimize your chances of getting into an accident. If you happen to find yourself in an accident and need auto body repair or collision services, we'd be happy to help! Your insurance company cannot tell you where to go for repairs. It's your choice, so choose the best! You can schedule a free collision repair estimate online, or by giving our friendly team a call. 

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram

Vehicle Maintenance Lights and What They Mean

PEKIN, Ill.,–– Your vehicle's dashboard can tell you a lot about it and what services it may need. While some, like the Check Engine light are very severe, there are also a lot of other lights that can illuminate for smaller issues that can become large if not properly taken care of. We at Velde Ford have created a list of vehicle maintenance lights and what they mean so that you're prepared for every situation on or off the road!

Check Battery Light

If this symbol lights up, make sure you get serviced right away! This light could mean that your battery has low power, which can leave your vehicle unable to start up. If you leave it unchecked, it can result in engine failure, so make sure you get your battery checked as soon as possible. Our expert battery technicians will help you get everything fixed in a timely manner.

Oil Warning Light

This light could be indicating that your vehicle has low oil pressure or a low oil level. If you see this while driving, pull over somewhere safe and check your oil level as quickly as possible! Driving on a low oil level can cause serious damage to your engine from component overheating. Making sure you get any oil issues taken care of as soon as possible is important in maintaining a healthy vehicle.

Low Tire Pressure Light

If one or more of your tires has low pressure, this light will illuminate to inform you of the problem. Check your tires immediately and take them in for a diagnostic as soon as possible. Small punctures or leaks can be affordably repaired, but larger damage may end up costing more. Sometimes, you may just need to fill up your tire with air, but it's better to be safe than sorry!

Hood Ajar Light

Close your hood as soon as you are able to when you see this light! It means your hood wasn't fully closed when you last shut it. Driving without your hood fully closed for an extended period of time can cause the hood to fly up, which can eliminate your visibility on the road and potentially damage your windshield. Make sure you don't see this symbol while you're driving!

Airbag Malfunction Light

This light will come on when one of the airbags in your vehicle isn't working properly. While you're able to drive just fine without an airbag, it's highly encouraged that you get your airbags fixed as soon as possible. Without an airbag, you don't have anything to protect you if you happen to get into an accident. Staying proactive of this warning light is very important! 

Vehicle maintenance can be a very tedious task. However, keeping yourself safe on the road is a priority, especially when any warning lights illuminate on your vehicle's dashboard. We hope this list of vehicle maintenance lights and what they mean helps you to stay prepared if your vehicle has any issues! If you see an issue we didn't mention, you can refer to our vehicle dashboard light guide for a full list of symbols your car may show and their meanings. If anything does end up coming up and you need assistance, be sure to schedule an appointment to make sure your car is in good hands!

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Pinterest, Instagram