What is the most common cause of rear-end collisions?

Rear-end collisions commonly occur when a driver does not maintain an adequate distance from the vehicle in front of them, making "following too closely" the most prevalent cause. This situation often arises because drivers may be distracted, not paying attention to the traffic flow, or misjudging the stopping distance required for the vehicle ahead. When a driver follows too closely, they have less time to react to sudden stops or slowdowns, resulting in collisions.

While driving under the influence, reckless driving, and wet road conditions can certainly contribute to accidents, they are not the primary factors in rear-end collisions. Driving under the influence often leads to impaired judgment and slower reaction times, but rear-end collisions specifically stem from the inability to maintain a safe following distance. Reckless driving may involve aggressive maneuvers or speeding, which can lead to a range of collision types, but again, it is not as directly linked to rear-end incidents as following too closely. Lastly, wet road conditions can impact a driver's ability to stop in time, but the fundamental issue of maintaining proper following distance is crucial in preventing the most common type of rear-end collision.