How to avoid a head-on collision

July 22, 2022
Personal Injury, Automobile Accidents

head on collision motor vehicle avoid a head on collision

Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of motor vehicle accidents. They occur when two vehicles crash front-end to front-end—often due to one driver crossing the center line or entering a divided highway on the wrong side. While they may be less frequent than other types of crashes, their severity makes prevention critical.

If you’ve been injured in a head-on collision, start your free case evaluation today.

INJURED? START YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

Why Head-On Collisions Are So Dangerous

These accidents often involve high speeds and direct impact, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. Understanding how they happen—and how to avoid them—can help keep you safe behind the wheel.

How to Avoid a Head-On Collision

The National Safety Council recommends following “The Four R’s” when trying to avoid a head-on collision.

Read the Road Ahead.

Scan the road ahead, including hills, curves, and overpasses.
Watch for erratic drivers or vehicles drifting toward the center line.
Use headlights and your horn to signal your presence if needed.

Drive to the Right.

Stay slightly right of center in your lane—closer to the shoulder; this is the safest place on a two-lane road.
If a vehicle approaches head-on, brake and move further right to create space. The closer the other vehicle comes to yours, the further right you must move.

Reduce Your Speed.

Slow down when you see hazards or unusual behavior ahead.
Lower speeds give you more control and reduce impact force.

Ride Off the Road (If Necessary).

If a collision is imminent, steer off the road (i.e., onto the shoulder) rather than swerving into oncoming traffic. Do not jerk the wheel or slam on your brakes.
Avoid locking your brakes; maintain control as you exit the roadway.

Additional Safety Tips

Never straddle or hug the center line. You make yourself more of a target for a head-on collision.
Flash headlights and honk to warn oncoming drivers.
Pass only when it’s safe and legal.
Never drive to the left of an oncoming vehicle.
If needed, choose the ditch over a direct collision; swerving into the left lane risks a head-on collision

Common causes of head-on collisions

The most common ways head-on collisions occur:

Passing on a highway or a two-lane road
Failing to negotiate a curve properly (i.e., losing control or drifting)
Crossing the center line into traffic
Inclement weather conditions (i.e., reduced visibility or traction)
Swerving to avoid obstacles/debris in the roadway
Distracted driving, including texting or using a cell phone while driving
Turning the wrong way down a one-way road
Drunk driving or driving while impaired

Examples of how head-on collisions occur:

Driving under the influence can cause another driver to drift across the center line and enter a one-way street or entrance the wrong way.
Driving too fast can cause a driver to lose control or skid into oncoming traffic.
Driving while drowsy can cause a driver to fall asleep and not be aware that he is drifting into oncoming traffic.
Passing illegally (when a driver passes in a no-passing zone) could result in a head-on collision.

Have you been in a head-on collision? Call us at (877) 284-6600, Chat Online, or use our Text Us widget.

SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION?

Every driver has a legal obligation (or “duty of care”) to look out for the safety of other drivers, pedestrians, and other individuals. When that duty is violated, and negligence causes harm, the at-fault party may be held liable.

At Nash & Franciskato, we advocate for accident victims, offering you peace of mind during your recovery and helping you pursue the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys will:

Investigate the cause of your accident, gather evidence, and identify all responsible parties
Document your damages to maximize the value of your personal injury claim
File insurance claims and handle all communication with the insurance company
Calculate the correct value of your injury claim
Track deadlines under the statute of limitations
File a personal injury lawsuit, if necessary

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CALL NASH & FRANCISKATO FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION CASE REVIEW

Don’t face the aftermath of a serious crash alone. Contact our Kansas City-based law firm of Nash & Franciskato at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. Prefer to chat? Use our online chat or Text Us widget.

One of our experienced staff members will speak with you personally and will provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

START YOUR FREE CASE EVALUATION TODAY

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on July 22, 2022. It was reviewed on December 30, 2024, and again on August 15, 2025, for content and accuracy, and updated.

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