3 Types of Collisions Caused by Distracted Driving

Distracted driving involves any kind of activity that diverts a person's attention while they operate a motor vehicle. One of the most common types of distracted driving occurs when a driver uses a cellphone. According to recent statistics, an estimated 1.6 million car accidents in the United States involve the use of a cellphone.

Texting on a cellphone while driving causes many of these accidents. In fact, texting while driving is 6 times more likely to cause an accident than drunk driving. Accidents caused by distracted drivers can result in serious injuries for motorists, as well as severe damage for motor vehicles. The type of damage a motor vehicle sustains largely depends on the type of collision.

Here are three of the most common types of collisions caused by distracted driving.

1. Rear End Collisions

When a driver looks at their phone instead of the view in front of them, they can easily hit the vehicle ahead of them. When a car hits the vehicle in front of them, this is known as a rear-end collision. This scenario is common when a vehicle is stopped at a red light and the driver behind them doesn't realize it until it's too late. 

If you are involved in a rear end collision because of a distracted driver, your vehicle's trunk and bumper will most likely sustain damage. Sometimes damage to a vehicle following a rear-end collision isn't always noticeable right away.

Damage to the frame behind the bumper is an example of hidden auto body damage following a rear-end collision. Most people will notice the bumper damage right away, but not the damage underneath.

2. Side Impact Collisions

Also called a T-bone collision, this type of accident occurs when the front end of a vehicle hits the side of another vehicle. Side impact collisions usually occur when a vehicle is going through an intersection and the motorist that hits them has run a red light or stop sign.

Another common cause of a side impact collision is the driver doesn't yield to oncoming traffic when they make a turn. Distracted drivers cause side impact collisions because they are not paying attention to the traffic signals or the traffic around them.

During a side impact collision, the type of damage a car receives largely depends on how fast the other vehicle was traveling. In most cases, a side impact collision causes damage to the car door, frame, side windows, side view mirrors, and paint.

3. Head On Collisions

When the front of a vehicle comes into direct contact with the front of another vehicle, it's called a head on collision or a frontal crash. A head on collision can occur when a distracted driver crosses the centerline of the road and hits an oncoming vehicle. A head on collision can also take place if a distracted driver is driving on the wrong side of the road.

A head on collision can cause extensive damage to a vehicle, especially if both vehicles were moving fast. The entire front end of a vehicle can become damaged. The front end includes the front bumper, hood, headlights, and the frame. Damage to the frame can involve the front cross member, main cross member, spring pod, and torque.

It's imperative that the frame gets fixed right away. A damaged frame will affect how the car handles. In most cases, a head on collision will also damage the windshield. The side windows and even rear window can become damaged as well. A head on collision can also damage the wheels and tires.

Have you recently been involved in a collision due to a distracted driver? If so, contact Automotive Super Sports. We have been providing collision repair services for over two decades. Following a collision, our professional technicians will accurately diagnose problems with your vehicle and make long-lasting repairs.