Here’s a more detailed breakdown of common accident types in San Bernardino:
1. Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end accidents happen when a vehicle crashes into the back of the car in front. These are often caused by tailgating, distracted driving, or sudden stops in heavy traffic, which San Bernardino frequently experiences on busy roads like the I-10 and I-215 freeways. Although they’re often less severe, rear-end collisions can still cause significant injuries, such as whiplash, spinal strain, and head injuries, particularly at high speeds.
2. Head-On Collisions
This type of accident involves two vehicles colliding front-to-front, often due to a driver crossing over into oncoming traffic, impaired driving, or confusion on undivided rural roads. While relatively rare, head-on collisions are among the most dangerous and frequently result in life-threatening injuries or fatalities. These types of accidents often occur on rural stretches outside the city center, where lighting is poor and lanes are narrow.
3. Rollover Accidents
Rollovers occur when a vehicle tips onto its side or roof. These crashes are more common in high-profile vehicles like SUVs and trucks, especially if the driver loses control while speeding, swerving, or taking sharp turns. Rollover accidents can be severe due to the potential for occupants to be thrown from the vehicle if not restrained properly. San Bernardino’s mountainous and rural roads, along with freeway interchanges, can sometimes increase rollover risks in certain areas.
4. Side-Impact (T-Bone) Collisions
These accidents occur when one vehicle strikes the side of another, often at intersections or stop signs. T-bone collisions can be particularly dangerous for the occupants on the side that is struck, as side airbags and door frames offer limited protection. Common causes include running red lights, failure to yield, and distracted driving. Busy intersections like those along E Street and Highland Avenue in San Bernardino are common sites for such collisions.
5. Sideswipe Accidents
Sideswipe incidents happen when two vehicles traveling parallel to each other make contact, often during lane changes or merges. These accidents frequently occur when drivers are not paying attention, fail to check blind spots, or don’t signal their lane changes properly. On highways and multilane roads in San Bernardino, like the I-10 and I-215, sideswipes are common, especially in congested traffic.
6. Single-Vehicle Accidents
This type of accident involves a vehicle crashing into a fixed object, like a tree, guardrail, or utility pole, often due to driver error or adverse road conditions. Causes include swerving to avoid animals, road debris, impaired or distracted driving, or weather conditions that make roads slippery. Single-vehicle accidents tend to happen more frequently in areas with winding roads or limited lighting, such as near San Bernardino National Forest.
7. Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents happen when a vehicle collides with someone walking or crossing the street. These incidents often occur in busy pedestrian areas, near crosswalks, or along major streets without adequate pedestrian crossings. San Bernardino sees these accidents at higher rates in commercial and residential areas, especially in locations like downtown San Bernardino or near schools, where pedestrian traffic is high. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield at crosswalks are common causes.
8. Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Multi-vehicle accidents, also known as chain-reaction crashes, involve multiple vehicles in a series of collisions. These often happen during high traffic or poor weather conditions, where one initial accident triggers additional impacts. Pileups can occur on San Bernardino’s busy freeways, especially in heavy fog or rain when visibility is low. Such accidents can be very complex, with multiple parties involved and heightened risks of injuries and vehicle damage.
Each of these accident types presents unique risks, and understanding them can help residents of San Bernardino be more aware of how and where these accidents are likely to happen.