Head-on collisions are the deadliest types of accidents on the road. They occur in a split second, leaving little room for error. Not only that, but the chances of dying are significantly higher when two vehicles collide head-on. Read these tips to learn what you can do to lower the risk of being involved in a head-on crash.

2. Head-on collisions occur when vehicles
going in opposite directions hit each
other, front-end first.
They often happen when a driver:
• crosses the center line;
• drives the wrong way on a
freeway off-ramp;
• enters the wrong side of a
divided highway; or
• blows through a stop sign
intentionally or unintentionally.

3. • According to one study,
only 6% of head-ons are
caused by dangerous
passing.
• Another 20% happen on
curved roads where
speed is often a factor.
• Most (63%) occur on
straightaways and are
probably the result of
distracted driving, poor
judgment, or other
factors.1

4. Common causes of head-on
collisions include:
• Impaired driving
• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drowsy driving
• Illegal or dangerous
passing
• Road hazards

5. • Head-on crashes are more
common in rural areas than urban
areas.
• They account for 13% of all fatal
collisions in rural areas and less
than 7% in urban areas.2
• Head-on collisions are a leading
killer of “good” or faultless
drivers.1
• An estimated 2% of crashes are
classified as head-on collisions, yet
they account for well over 10% of
all traffic deaths.3

6. • Pay attention to pavement
markings. They’ll tell you if
you’re going in the right
direction.
• Look out for Do Not Enter,
Wrong Way, and Stop signs.
• Pass carefully when you
overtake another vehicle on
the left side of the road.
• Stay sober and you’ll be less
likely to miss signs or
wander from your own lane.

7. • Stay focused and you’re more likely to
avoid a crash.
• Avoid the centerline to stay away from
wrong-way drivers.
• Drive in the right lane, and you’re less
likely to run head-on into an oncoming car.
• Slow down, and you’re more likely to
survive a crash or even avoid one in the
first place.
• Make eye contact when approaching an
intersection to make sure other drivers are
aware of you and any stop signs/lights.

8. Slow down
• As soon as you see an oncoming vehicle
barreling towards you, lift your foot off
the gas pedal and apply the brakes.
Flash your headlights and hit your horn
• Try to get the other driver’s attention
any way that you can. A quick warning
may avert an accident.
Steer to the right
• Direct your vehicle toward the shoulder,
even off-road if necessary. It’s safer to
crash into a ditch than into another
vehicle.

9. • It’s crucial to call a
personal injury lawyer as
soon as possible after a
head-on collision.
• Even if injuries appear to
be minor, they may turn
out to be far more serious
than first imagined.
• The skilled accident
lawyers at the Law Offices
of Marc J. Shuman &
Associates, Ltd., can help
you recover damages for
your own injuries or for the
loss of a loved one.

10. If You Or Someone You Know Has Been
Involved In An Accident CALL (800)
722-9744 NOW
To Speak To An Experienced Injury
Attorney For FREE.
Since 1996, the Law Offices of Marc J. Shuman & Associates has
been helping accident victims, all injured victims, and their
families navigate the complex legal process. As experienced
personal injury, workers’ compensation, auto accident, and
wrongful death attorneys, we can help you evaluate the facts,
assess your options, and navigate the legal challenges on your
behalf.
With over 77 combined years of experience advocating for in
excess of 10,000 injury victims and their families, we have
recovered over 50 million dollars on their behalf. We advocate
on your behalf, so you can focus on the task of recovery. We
serve clients all over the Greater Chicagoland Area, the State of
Illinois, and Northwest Indiana. CALL (800) 772-9744 Toll FREE
NOW for your FREE consultation.