Rear-End Accidents On Martha’s Vineyard

It is easy to see why so many people choose Martha’s Vineyard as a vacation destination — it is a gorgeous place to relax and unwind. Unfortunately, it is also easy to see how a driver could cause a rear-end accident because he or she is distracted by the scenery.

Distracted driving is one of the most common reasons for rear-end accidents. When you add an unfamiliar location where people are busy looking at the sights outside of the car windows or busy trying to read road signs or look for landmarks to help guide them to their final destination to the other common distractions that cause accidents, rear-end accidents can be common. If you are injured in a Martha’s Vineyard accident, call our RI & MA rear-end accident attorneys at 401-552-5000 for a free legal consultation.

Can You Prevent a Rear-End Accident?

Rear-end accidents are not limited to Martha’s Vineyard or other tourist locations. This type of car accident is common throughout the United States. The automobile industry and various government agencies have tried over the years to reduce the number of rear-end crashes by introducing new technology.

As discussed in a Chicago Tribune article, third brake lights (high-mounted brake lamps) were thought to be a low-cost way to reduce rear-end crashes. The Regan administration began requiring third brake lights on vehicles beginning with the 1986 models. The NHTSA estimated that these third lights would significantly reduce the number of crashes each year. Unfortunately, this prediction may not be correct. From 1988 through 2014, rear-end accidents that resulted in a fatality increased from 4.6 percent to 5.2 percent. However, some studies conclude that the third brake light did reduce rear-end collisions.

New Crash Avoidance Technology

Some vehicles today are equipped with new technology designed to prevent rear-end crashes. While it is unclear if the new technology will produce the results that everyone hoped for with the third brake light, the new crash avoidance technology does appear to prevent some rear-end accidents.

Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems are one example of the crash avoidance systems that may be included in the standard packages for all new vehicles. AEB systems detect an impending frontal crash and warn the driver to take evasive action. If the driver does not respond, the AEB system may automatically engage the brakes to avoid a crash. There are several other crash avoidance systems that are on the market today that may help reduce the risk of a rear-end collision.

Injuries from A Rear-End Crash

Whiplash and back injuries are common in these types of collisions. The injuries from a rear-end crash can be severe even in a low-speed accident. Accident victims can suffer traumatic injuries that result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Our RI & MA rear-end accident attorneys understand how to investigate these types of accidents and pursue compensation for damages.

Call a RI & MA Car Accident Attorney Now for a Free Appointment

If you have been injured in a Martha’s Vineyard rear-end accident, please contact Tapalian Law by calling 401-552-5000 or use our online contact form. Our RI & MA rear-end accident attorneys represent clients in Martha’s Vineyard and throughout Rhode Island and Massachusetts. We offer free consultations and case evaluations. Get the answers to your car accident questions from a trusted source!

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Source: “Third brake light: Have rear-end crashes lessened 30 years after mandate?” by Mary Chapman, Chicago Tribune, August 31, 2016