The worst possible collisions are frontal collisions either head-on with another vehicle or with a solid immovable object. Striking something with a glancing blow is much better than head-on. Anytime the force of an impact can be distributed widely, the potential for severe injuries will be reduced, as compared to a direct frontal strike. If an accident is imminent, whenever possible, strike the object from an angle rather than head-on. This is called a near-frontal collision.
Other kinds of collisions include broadside, rear-end, rollover, and sideswipe. If another vehicle is about to run head-on into the side of your vehicle, this is called a broadside collision. Although all of the occupants of your vehicle can be seriously injured, the greatest injury will be to those occupants on the side of impact. To reduce the damage of a potential broadside collision, accelerate your vehicle to move the point of impact behind the passenger compartment. A lateral impact with the trunk of your car is a much better alternative to any impact directly on a passenger.
The most common injury related to a rear in collision is neck injury such as whiplash. Be sure your head restraints are set properly to support your occupants. You may also reduce the risk of rear end collisions by keeping a larger front margin. If you do not have to stop quickly, the vehicle behind you will not have to stop quickly either.
Roll over collisions not only have a high potential for damage, they are also extremely frightening. Risk of injury in a rollover is much worse if the vehicle occupants are not properly restrained with seatbelts or child safety restraints. An unbelted passenger can be thrown from the automobile, or even find herself pinned under the vehicle. If you vehicle is already off balance in terms of roll (the vehicle load has shifted to one side or the other) you are more vulnerable to a rollover collision should another vehicle impact you at an angle. To reduce your vulnerability, remember to use smooth, controlled steering, braking, and acceleration.
Like the name suggests, a sideswipe collision refers to an impact that "swipes" along the "side" of your vehicle. This is typically the least damaging type of collision. To say that a sideswipe collision is not as severe as the other collisions is not to say that it is a pleasant experience. All collisions are to be avoided, but if you can angle your vehicle to avoid a frontal or near-frontal collision in favor of a sideswipe, you should do so.
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