What Type of Collision Could You Avoid by Speeding Up?

Understanding the dynamics of traffic accidents is critical for improving road safety. One of the most frequently asked — and often misunderstood — questions is: what type of collision could you avoid by speeding up? The answer lies not in reckless acceleration, but in understanding situational awareness and defensive driving.

In certain circumstances, speeding up — rather than braking — may be the best way to avoid a crash. Typically, this applies to rear-end collisions or side-swipe accidents when you’re being overtaken inappropriately or trapped in another vehicle’s blind spot. Knowing when this tactic is appropriate could save lives — including your own.

Let’s dive into the details.

In This Article

How Speeding Up Can Prevent Certain Collisions

Speeding up is not about reckless behavior. It’s a tactical move when braking or stopping could make a situation worse. Below are some accident scenarios where increasing speed may help you avoid a collision.

1. Rear-End Collisions

This is the most common type of accident on U.S. roads, accounting for nearly 29% of all crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Scenario: You’re about to change lanes or pass through an intersection, but a vehicle behind you is approaching too quickly. If you slow down or hesitate, that vehicle could hit you from behind.

Solution: Speeding up slightly to complete the maneuver may help you clear the danger zone and avoid impact.

2. Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone Accidents)

Also known as broadside collisions, these usually occur at intersections when one driver fails to yield or runs a red light.

Scenario: You’re crossing an intersection, and you spot a car running a red light from the side.

Solution: If there’s no room to brake and the car is too close, speeding up may help you pass through the intersection before the other vehicle reaches your path.

3. Side-Swipe Collisions

These happen when two vehicles traveling in the same direction make contact — often during lane changes.

Scenario: Another car begins merging into your lane without seeing you. Slamming the brakes could result in a crash if there’s a vehicle behind you.

Solution: Speeding up slightly can help you move out of the danger zone, especially if there’s no room to maneuver sideways.

4. Avoiding Multi-Car Pileups

In high-speed environments such as highways, pileups can happen in a split second.

Scenario: You see brake lights ahead and suspect a collision chain is forming.

Solution: If you spot a clear lane, a burst of speed may be your best way out — before the cars behind you add to the chaos.

These scenarios are situational and require split-second judgment. Speeding up should only be considered if you’ve scanned the road ahead and know your path is clear.

The Physics Behind Speed-Based Collision Avoidance

To understand what type of collision you could avoid by speeding up, let’s briefly review the physics of motion.

Factor	Effect on Collision Avoidance
Momentum	More speed means greater forward momentum, which can help escape a collision from the rear or side.
Reaction Time	Speeding up reduces the time you’re exposed to danger zones.
Vehicle Control	Speeding up in a straight line maintains control better than sudden braking or swerving.

However, remember: more speed = longer stopping distance. So this tactic only works if the road ahead is safe.

When NOT to Speed Up

While there are times when increasing speed can help, here are situations where doing so can increase your risk:

In bad weather (rain, snow, fog)
In heavy traffic
On unfamiliar roads
When children or pedestrians are present
If your escape route is unclear or blocked

In these cases, speeding up can turn a manageable risk into a serious crash.

Defensive Driving Tips: Know When and How to React

To make safe decisions behind the wheel, you need more than just knowledge — you need practice. Here are key defensive driving habits that help you decide when speeding up is appropriate:

Maintain a safe following distance at all times (3-second rule minimum)
Check mirrors every 5–8 seconds to stay aware of your surroundings
Scan intersections and driveways for incoming threats
Use your signals early and clearly
Stay out of other drivers’ blind spots

Also, consider taking an advanced defensive driving course, especially if you drive often or in high-risk conditions.

Modern Tools That Can Help You Avoid Collisions

Today’s vehicles come equipped with driver-assist technologies designed to avoid or reduce collisions:

Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
Blind Spot Monitoring
Lane Departure Warning

These features don’t replace good driving — but they can buy you valuable seconds in critical situations.

Common Myths About Speeding and Collision Avoidance

Myth 1: Speeding up is always a bad idea.
Reality: In specific cases, it’s the safest move.

Myth 2: Slamming on the brakes is always the best option.
Reality: Braking abruptly can cause a rear-end collision or skid in wet conditions.

Myth 3: You need to speed drastically to avoid a crash.
Reality: Often, a modest increase in speed is all it takes to exit a danger zone.

Real-Life Examples Where Speeding Up Helped Avoid a Collision

Many experienced drivers and professional instructors report incidents where speeding up saved them:

A woman in Colorado avoided a side-swipe when a large truck began merging into her lane without checking — she accelerated just enough to move ahead.
A delivery driver in Florida used his knowledge of defensive driving to avoid a rear-end collision during rush hour traffic by speeding slightly through a yellow light, clearing the intersection just before a distracted driver entered it from behind.

Additional Resources for Safe Driving

To further enhance your driving knowledge and safety, check out these reputable resources:

Conclusion: What Type of Collision Could You Avoid by Speeding Up?

So, what type of collision could you avoid by speeding up?

Primarily:

Rear-end collisions
Side-impact (T-bone) crashes
Side-swipe accidents
Pileups on highways

The key is judgment. Speeding up only makes sense if you:

Have a clear path ahead
Are aware of surrounding traffic
Are confident the maneuver will increase distance from the threat

Driving isn’t just about controlling a vehicle — it’s about anticipating what’s coming next. Equip yourself with the right knowledge, stay alert, and make calm, calculated decisions. The split second it takes to speed up safely might just save your life.

For more safety tips, check out our post on how a door handle works to understand more about everyday mechanics that impact safety.

Stay informed. Drive smart. Be safe.

What Type of Collision Could You Avoid by Speeding Up?