If you are a meat lover, the thought of a T-bone may have you drooling at the mouth. Yet a T-bone when driving is far less desirable.
A T bone is another word for a side-on or side-impact collision. They account for almost a quarter of severe crashes.
Where do they occur?
Intersections are the most common locations, as that is where you most frequently get cars traveling at 90 degrees to each other. It does not have to be a major intersection either – they can happen when someone reverses out of their drive onto the road.
What can you do to reduce the chance you have one?
Take special care when turning left or where others may turn left across you. Do this regardless of what the lights say and whether you have the right of way. It can be frustrating to sit through another cycle of signals because the driver in front of you took their time moving, but waiting is preferable to crashing.
Take extra care with motorcycles. It is harder to judge their speed than that of a four-wheeled vehicle, and if they crank the throttle to make the lights, they can reach you before you expect it.
What protection is available?
If you choose a car with side airbags, you and your passengers have a better chance of surviving being T-boned. Fewer cars have rear-side impact airbags, yet this is where kids typically sit.
If someone T-bones you, understanding how to claim compensation will ensure you do not have to foot the bill for damage to your car, body, and life.
