Fordnatics List Archive

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Mail From: "Vic Cook" <(email redacted)>


> Concerning Joel's question of whether or not to use the brakes when being
> rear-ended,

Another thing to consider is that some insurance companies (Allstate)
assign a degree of culpability to a driver who is rear ended and as
the result, smashes into the rear of the car ahead of him. The
thinking is that you should allow a "safe" distance between your car and
the car in front of you to cushion any impact from behind. This is
sort of a judgement call from the insurance company because
obviously, if the car behind you is going 100 mph, not much will keep
you from launching into one or more other cars.

If I remember correctly, nothing was in front of Joel, so lifting on
the brakes wasn't going to drag another innocent driver into the
mess. But if you're in traffic, keep in mind that you have an
obligation to keep a safe traveling distance between you and the
other cars ...even when stopped!

Vic