Illinois Driving Permit Practice Test

What is a common cause of rear-end collisions?

1. Sudden braking by the vehicle in front

2. Driving too slow in the fast lane

3. Excessive lane changing

4. Use of turn signals

The correct answer is: Sudden braking by the vehicle in front

A common cause of rear-end collisions is sudden braking by the vehicle in front. When a driver in front unexpectedly brakes, it can catch the following driver off guard, especially if they're not maintaining a safe following distance. This lack of time to react often leads to the rear vehicle colliding with the one in front. Maintaining a safe distance allows drivers to have enough time to respond to sudden stops or slowdowns, which is crucial in avoiding such accidents. The other options do not directly lead to rear-end collisions in the same way. Driving too slow in the fast lane may cause frustration among other drivers but is more likely to result in different types of road rage incidents or congestion rather than direct rear-end collisions. Excessive lane changing can create confusion and potential hazards but does not necessarily result in rear-end collisions unless it involves an abrupt stop. The use of turn signals is a safety measure intended to inform other drivers of intended movements, and while improper signaling can contribute to accidents, it is not a primary cause of rear-end collisions.