What Counts as a Vehicle Collision and Its Common Causes
Last reviewed: 2026 · Driviology Road Safety Education Team
Quick Answer
A vehicle collision occurs when a vehicle strikes another vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal, or a stationary obstruction, and the most common causes include distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and adverse weather conditions.
This page defines what a collision is and why it happens; our guide to avoiding collisions covers the prevention habits, and our guide to what to do after a car accident covers the procedure afterward.
What a Vehicle Collision Is
A vehicle collision, also called a car accident or crash, happens when a vehicle strikes another vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal, or a stationary obstruction such as a tree or utility pole.
The Most Common Causes
Distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, and adverse weather conditions are among the most common causes, each of which the MTO specifically targets through its safety guidance.
A Real-World Scenario
A driver distracted by their phone rear-ending another vehicle at a stop sign is a classic example of a collision caused by distracted driving, one the MTO treats as a major concern.