What does 'Rear-ended' imply in a traffic context?

In traffic terminology, the term 'rear-ended' specifically refers to a situation where one vehicle collides with the back of another vehicle. This typically involves a scenario where a driver fails to maintain a safe following distance or is not paying attention to the traffic ahead, resulting in a collision with the vehicle in front.

When a vehicle is rear-ended, it can lead to various consequences including vehicle damage, personal injury, and potentially the formation of liability issues in terms of fault determination for the accident. This term is often discussed in the context of traffic law and accident reports, emphasizing the dynamics of such collisions.

The other options misinterpret or do not accurately describe this term in a traffic context, focusing instead on side collisions, breakdown assistance, or proximity of parking, which do not relate to the specific nature of being rear-ended.