Charlotte Driver Accused of Starting Chain Reaction Accident After Rear-Ending Car

Independent Tribune reported on a driver from Charlotte, North Carolina whose actions allegedly initiated a chain of events which led to a six vehicle accident. The Charlotte man recently was driving along I-85 northbound when he came upon other vehicles which were stopped or which had slowed down to avoid an upcoming traffic jam. The Charlotte driver failed to slow down and stop his vehicle in time, and struck the car directly in front of his. This led to that car hitting the car in front of it, and so on. 

Ultimately, six vehicles were involved in the rear-end crash, and traffic was delayed for up to an hour.  Some injuries were sustained in the collision, with initial reports indicating the injuries were minor.  Unfortunately, some of the most common rear-end accident injuries, like whiplash, may initially appear minor or may not cause any immediate symptoms but will subsequently become more painful and begin to limit mobility.

Rear-End Accidents Are Often Chain Reaction Accidents

Chain reaction accidents like this recent one allegedly caused by the Charlotte man are very common.  The driver in this case was charged with following too closely. Many motorists who rear-end the car in front of theirs end up facing this charge. The drivers in the rear vehicle who cause the initial crash that leads to the chain reaction may be liable for the losses related to the accident. Traffic safety laws require motorists to maintain a safe stopping distance.

Drivers are expected to leave around three to four seconds of following time in between their own car and another car moving in front of them. This can be measured by observing when a lead car crosses a fixed object. Count the number of seconds between the time the front car passes the object and your own vehicle goes by the same object. At least three to four seconds should pass. The stopping distance and number of seconds which pass should also be extended if road conditions are bad, such as slippery roads or impaired visibility. This is because it can take longer for the car to stop in adverse conditions.