Not all traffic accidents happen at high speeds. In fact, three-quarters of all fatal accidents are not speed-related. These accidents that occur at low speeds are typically described as “low impact collisions.”
A low impact collision is when a car collides with another car or an object at a low speed, typically under 15 mph. A low impact collision can be thought of as a minor fender bender. Some examples of low impact collisions include:
- Bumping the car in front of you during stop-and-go traffic.
- Side-swiping a parked vehicle, guard rail, or another object.
- Backing up into a car while leaving a parking spot.
Common Causes of Low Impact Collisions
Low-impact collisions can occur for any number of reasons, including:
- Distracted driving.
- Poor visibility.
- “Tailgating,” or following too closely behind a car.
- Laziness, such as failing to check a blind spot before changing lanes.
- Miscommunication, such as two cars both thinking they have the right of way at a stop sign or in a crowded parking lot.
- Wet or slippery driving conditions.
Consequences of Low Impact Collisions
Just because an accident occurs at small speed doesn’t mean it can’t come with big consequences.
Whiplash and neck injuries are common in low impact collisions because the head and neck move quicker than the cars colliding. A collision happening at 8 mph produces two G’s of force on the cars involved but 5 G’s of force on the neck.
Sometimes people are in awkward and vulnerable positions when a low-impact collision occurs. An example would be a driver who has their body turned to look out the rear window while backing out of a parking spot. If a collision occurs, this person is at an increased risk of injury due to the positioning of their body at the point of impact.
The consequences of low-impact collisions can be just as bad on your car itself. It doesn’t take much force for a vehicle to suffer significant damage to the body, bumpers, lights, and windows. And sometimes the body damage is only masking underlying structural damage or broken parts that can make driving unsafe.
Where to Repair in Madison, WI
If you’re in need of collision repair, the Zimbrick Body Shop in Madison, WI, has you covered. Read about our organized and efficient repair process that can have your car in and out and back on the road in no time.
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