Any car accident can leave someone with serious injuries. But head-on collisions are especially dangerous because of the force of impact in the crash and can lead to fatalities. The speed of both cars at the time of the collision is an important factor. The car accident attorneys at Boughter Sinak, LLC help accident victims and their families throughout Indiana.
The likelihood of surviving a head-on collision
Research compiled by The Car Crash Detective has shown that the likelihood of fatalities in a head-on collision increases at speeds above 43 mph. That number comes from research related to Vision Zero, a global initiative dedicated to reducing auto fatalities. While other organizations such as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) don’t cite that specific number, they have advocated for slower speed limits throughout the country to increase safety.
But a 43 mph limit for head-on collision survivability is supported by IIHS frontal moderate- and small-overlap crash tests. Both are conducted with cars traveling at 40 mph and are “designed to simulate the effects of a vehicle crashing into a vehicle of equal mass traveling in the opposite direction at 40 mph.”
The IIHS notes that these crashes are considered severe. They also note that “tests are not conducted at higher speeds due to the impracticality of designing vehicles capable of protecting occupants at higher speeds.”
The research also notes that poor road design plays a factor. This suggests that some of the most dangerous roads for head-on collisions are two-lane undivided highways with speed limits above 44 mph.
And a negligent driver increases the risk of a head-on collision even more. Drivers who cause these types of collisions may have been distracted – for example, texting while driving. Or they could have been drunk or under the influence of drugs. Some were fatigued and fell asleep at the wheel.
The aftermath of a head-on collision
The result is a devastating crash that can be fatal. Those that do survive a head-on crash may suffer injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Severe head injuries
- Spine injuries
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage
- Lacerations
- Paralysis
The aftermath of an accident can be confusing, frightening and completely overwhelming. We know. We’ve seen it before. When the unthinkable happens, you need a highly skilled car accident attorney on your side. We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of injured motorists throughout Fort Wayne and South Bend, and we can help you too. If you were injured, don’t wait. Contact us today.