What should a driver do just before an unavoidable rear-end collision?

In the scenario of an imminent rear-end collision, the most prudent action to take is to release the brake pedal. When a driver maintains pressure on the brake pedal, the vehicle is likely to come to a complete stop, and this can increase the severity of the collision by allowing the vehicle to be struck with greater force from behind. By releasing the brake, the vehicle may roll forward slightly, thereby reducing the impact's intensity and helping to minimize injury.

The other choices may not effectively contribute to the driver’s safety during such a critical moment. Accelerating could lead to more severe impact with the object in front of the driver, turning the steering wheel might create instability or loss of control, and honking the horn generally does not provide any significant benefit in preventing the collision.