Being hit from behind whilst in a stationary or slow moving queue is one of the most common crashes, and should be of particular concern to those carrying children in the back seats. There is a general misconception that there is nothing a driver can do to avoid being 'rear ended', but following these tips can help to avoid a collision:

• When at the back of a queue, always leave a large gap.
• Keep an eye on the mirror for approaching traffic, this gives you space to move forward to lessen or avoid impact. You may even be able to move out of the way.
• If the queue is hidden from following traffic by a bend, rise or bridge, consider stopping where following trafffic can see you — even if this is well short of the queue, only moving forward when you are sure vehicles approaching have seen you.
• Try to have an escape route planned and be ready in gear with handbrake on.
• Consider keeping brake lights on, and be ready to use hazard lights if necessary, these may be wise anyway in particularly vulnerable situations. Once you are sure the following driver has spotted the queue, switch your hazard lights off and release brake lights.

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