Rear-end collisions are one of the most common types of car accidents, accounting for about one-third of all collisions in the United States. In 2017, they represented nearly 18% of all fatal collisions in the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute. Considering the frequency of these types of accidents, read on to avoid a potentially dangerous rear-end collision.

If you engage in the following behaviors, you may be putting yourself at risk of being involved in a rear-end collision:

• Failing to pay attention to hazardous road conditions and posted speed limits.
• Following other vehicles too closely.
• Engaging in distracted driving, including texting or talking on the phone.
• Participating in aggressive driving practices, including tailgating and brake-checking.
• Failing to yield the right of way.
• Choosing not to signal when you change lanes.
• Driving too fast in slippery conditions, resulting in hydroplaning or failing to control your vehicle.

Generally speaking, the driver who rear-ends another vehicle is often found to be at fault, regardless of the number of cars involved. If you are the driver found to be at fault, you will likely be held responsible for property damage and medical bills resulting from the accident. In this situation, having collision coverage in addition to your liability coverage can be extremely important. Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle in the event that it is damaged in a collision, even if you are at fault.

There are a number of safe driving practices that can help you to avoid this type of collision:

• Avoid distracted driving practices, including texting, adjusting the radio or chatting with passengers. The number one cause of rear-end collisions is distracted driving.
• Pay attention to the road in order to spot and react to approaching hazards, including traffic jams or construction zones.
• Consider the weather conditions in which you are driving. Rain, snow and ice may decrease your ability to stop quickly.
• If another driver engages in a risky driving behavior, remain calm. For example, if another car unexpectedly cuts you off, slow down and resist engaging in road rage. Along similar lines, control your urge to engage in aggressive driving, like speeding, slamming on the brakes and other dangerous practices.
• Keep an eye on the drivers around you, including drivers who are engaging in distracted or aggressive behaviors. Stay aware of their movements, and you’ll be able to make a better effort to stay safe on the road.
• Never drive under the influence of any substances, legal or otherwise. Certain medications, alcohol and drugs may impair your judgment and your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy machinery. If you are planning to consume alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver or use an alternative transportation method, like a taxi, Uber, Lyft or public transportation.
• Avoid driving if you are tired. If possible, delay your trip or pull off to the side of the road and rest for a while. Sleepy drivers have a tough time paying attention and driving defensively.
• Don’t tailgate, and keep plenty of distance between you and the car in front of you.

The three-second rule is a way to figure out how much distance you should keep between your car and the car in front of you. Keeping a safe distance between vehicles is the ideal way to make sure you have enough time to reach to a sudden stop and avoid a rear-end collision.

Here’s how the three-second rule works:

• Select a stationary object, such as a tree street sign, or light post that is located ahead of the car in front of you.
• When the car ahead of you passes that object, begin counting using the “one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three” counting method that many of us learned in elementary school.
• If you pass the object before you finish counting, you are probably following too closely and need to slow down to increase your distance. If you pass the object after you finish counting, there is probably enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, in the event of a sudden stop.
• If you’re driving in inclement weather, such as rain, ice or snow, you should increase the distance between you and the car in front of you – and as such, your count needs to increase. If you’re driving behind a large vehicle, such as a big-rig truck or emergency vehicle, you may need to increase your distance even further.

If you have a safe driving record, you can avoid increasing insurance rates, and you could even qualify for a safe driver discount! Whether it’s driving safely to prevent accidents involving you or your passengers or helping keep your insurance premium low, it pays to engage in safe driving habits! If you have questions about whether you have the coverage you need to protect you in the event of a rear-end collision, reach out to your local National General insurance agent. We’re here to help answer any questions you may have, and will get you the coverage that fits your budget and lifestyle!

When heavy rains fall, especially in the spring and summer months, homeowners might be most concerned with issues like a leaking roof or overflowing gutters. Sewer backups, although not as common, can often accompany heavy rains, and can easily cause thousands of dollars in damage to floors, walls and even furniture. Learn more about what causes sewer backups, as well as how you can protect against this type of damage in your home.

A number of factors influence the frequency of sewer backups, some of which can be prevented and some that are a result of the state of sewer systems in your area.

• One of the most common causes of sewer backups is an aging sewer system. The average sewer system in the U.S. is over thirty years old, and in many cases, aging systems can spell trouble for homeowners.
• Increased input into a sewer system can be a contributing factor. As the number of houses feeding into a sewer system increases through new construction, some systems simply cannot handle it. If an excessive amount of rainwater or melted snow enters the sewer system at once, this can also cause overload the sewer system.
• Improper maintenance is another common culprit, as many people are not aware of the type of precautions you can take to help prevent clogs and backups.

If you see the following warning signs, it’s best to stop using your water and contact a plumber immediately:

• Multiple drains in the house are clogged
• Noticeable seepage coming from the basement floor drains
• Repeated bubbling occurring after you flush a toilet or when a sink is trying to drain
• Toilets aren’t flushing properly, even after plunging
• A foul smell is coming from your drains

Although you can’t completely eliminate the possibility of a sewer backup, there are some steps you can take to help prevent this type of damage.

• Be sure to properly dispose of grease or cooking oil. Never pour these items down the drain, and always dispose of them by pouring them into a heat-resistant container and throwing them away. Many people think that washing grease down the drain with hot water will suffice, but grease tends to solidify as it cools, causing dangerous clogs.
• Dispose of paper products safely. Paper towels, disposable diapers, feminine products and hygienic wipes should never be flushed down the toilet, as they do not deteriorate quickly and can contribute to clogged sewer lines.
• Regularly trim invasive tree roots. Shrubs and trees that are seeking moisture can make their way into cracks in the sewer line, causing extensive damage. Different types of shrubs and trees behave differently, but as they grow, so do their roots and the damage they cause. Consider having a professional inspect and trim these roots to reduce the likelihood that they will grow into your sewer line.

Depending on your homeowners insurance policy, you may or may not be protected from damage resulting from a sewer backup. If you’re uncertain about what’s covered and whether you need to purchase additional coverage, reach out to your local agent. They will be happy to help you get the coverage you need to protect your home and belongings.