What Type Of Collision Could You Avoid By Speeding Up

Okay, let's talk about something a little counterintuitive. We're always told to slow down, right? Safety first! And absolutely, slowing down is crucial in most situations. But what if I told you there's a specific type of collision where speeding up – under the right circumstances, of course – could actually save your bacon? Intrigued?

I'm not talking about reckless driving or turning your commute into a Fast and Furious audition. This is about understanding physics and making a split-second decision to potentially avoid a sticky situation.

The Dreaded Left Turn

The scenario we're focusing on is the unprotected left turn. You know the drill: you're waiting at an intersection, patiently waiting for a gap in oncoming traffic so you can finally make your move. Cars are whizzing by, and you're trying to gauge distances and speeds, hoping you can squeak through without becoming a hood ornament.

Now, imagine you've committed to the turn. You're halfway across the intersection when you realize that the oncoming car you thought was far enough away is actually approaching much faster than you anticipated. Uh oh! What do you do?

Instinct might tell you to slam on the brakes. But think about it. If you slam on the brakes, you're now a stationary target, sitting smack-dab in the middle of the intersection. That oncoming car is going to have a much easier time hitting you. That's a guaranteed collision.

This is where a calculated burst of speed comes into play. Hear me out!

The Science of Avoidance

The goal here isn't to win a race. It's to reduce the severity of a potential collision – or, even better, avoid it altogether. By accelerating, you're trying to clear the intersection faster. You're minimizing the time you're vulnerable in the path of the oncoming car.

Think of it like this: You're a tiny sailboat trying to cross a busy shipping lane. Do you want to drift slowly across, giving the container ships plenty of time to smash you to smithereens? Or do you want to quickly navigate across, minimizing your exposure to danger?

Speeding up can change the impact point. Instead of a direct head-on or side impact, you might end up with a glancing blow to the rear of your vehicle. A glancing blow is infinitely better than a direct hit.

Why? Because vehicles are designed to crumple and absorb impact in specific areas. Those crumple zones are much more effective when the impact occurs at an angle or on the periphery rather than head-on. It's like wearing a helmet: it's designed to protect your head, but if you get hit square in the face, it's still going to hurt!

Important Caveats – Read This!

Now, before you go out there and start flooring it through every left turn, let's be absolutely clear: this is a last-resort maneuver. This advice is only useful when you are already in the middle of a left turn and find yourself in danger.

• Assess the situation: Is there truly enough space to accelerate and clear the intersection? If the oncoming car is practically on top of you, accelerating might be pointless and even dangerous.
• Vehicle capabilities: Does your car have the acceleration to make a difference? A sputtering old jalopy might not be able to provide the necessary boost.
• Road conditions: Is the road wet, icy, or otherwise slippery? Accelerating on a slick surface could cause you to lose control.
• Traffic behind you: Are there cars close behind you that might not expect you to suddenly accelerate? You don't want to cause a rear-end collision in your attempt to avoid a T-bone.

Ultimately, prevention is key. Make sure to judge the speed and distance of oncoming vehicles before you start your turn. Patience is your friend. Don't rush, don't assume, and always err on the side of caution.

The Takeaway

The idea that speeding up might be the safer option in a very specific type of collision is an interesting thought experiment, isn't it? It highlights the importance of understanding basic physics and making quick, informed decisions behind the wheel.

Of course, the best way to avoid this situation altogether is to drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings. But knowing this little trick might just give you a slightly better chance of walking away from a near-miss. Drive safe out there!