Most Dangerous Driving Habits You Should Avoid
When the drivers are comfortable with the road, they may slip into some bad driving habits but their negligence can cause accidents and claim lives. The truth is not for you but for other participants in traffic as well, bad driving habits go so far as to be outright dangerous.
For the first time since 2005, US driving fatality statistics are on the rise. In 2021, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 43,000 people died in vehicle accidents. Whereas, in 2022 the worrisome trend also continues with a 7 percent increase in driving fatalities. But keep in mind, some bad habits can result in traffic violations, and put undue stress on your car because not all bad driving habits lead to serious accidents.
So, let’s look at some common habits that can cause auto accidents and tips for avoiding them:
1. Using a Cell Phone While Driving
This is the big one and unfortunately has become common among most drivers out there nowadays. The National Safety Council estimates that almost 21% of all traffic accidents in the US are associated with drivers using their cell phones. Under certain circumstances, talking on the phone while driving may be legal in some places, but it’s still a bad habit to have.
Try using an app such as LifeSaver, TrueMotion, and Drive Beehive, these are meant to help drivers break the habit of using their phones and prevent accidents related to distracted driving.
2. Texting and Driving
Its proven texting while driving makes you eight times more likely to be involved in a crash. That’s got to be the biggest no-no, because it’s more dangerous than any other. The solution is you have to keep your phone well out of reach so in the result you don’t hear texts coming in.
3. Over Speeding
Driving above the speed limit is the other biggest cause of car accidents. The faster you drive, the less control of the vehicle you have doesn’t matter how experienced and skilled a driver you are. Because according to the research driving faster than the posted speed limit increases the chances of a collision on its own.
Try to keep your speed at the posted limit by using your cruise control setting when driving on the highway. Also, there is no need to feel rushed when you leave a little bit earlier. In 2019, car accidents that involved overspeeding accounted for 26% of traffic fatalities. Here is a general guide for you on speed limits:
- Residential area: 15–30 mph
- Undivided road (rural): 40–55 mph
- Divided road (rural): 55–70 mph
- Freeway: 55–65 mph
4. Driving Without a Seat Belt
Fastening your seat belt that’s considered your “life saver”! Because to save yourself against injury or death if you have to brake suddenly or get in an accident, a seat belt is the first line of defense. According to research, not wearing a seat belt is common in young people of age groups 18–34, who are less likely to wear one than other age groups.
Wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest ways to be safe, whether you’re going on a road trip or going around the corner. Whenever you get in a car don’t start driving until everyone fastens their seat belts and also make sure young children are properly secured as well.
5. Failing to Signal
Without telling people where you are going, how can you expect them to know? Before taking any turn or move, it’s important to let other drivers and bikers know your next move so they can slow down and accommodate. Pulling away a brake or sudden stops can surprise the driver behind you, can cause a collision.
Signal at least 100 feet in advance that you intend to pull over or want to take any turn.
6. Driving While Intoxicated
Almost 30 people die every day from alcohol-related driving accidents in the United States. Well, alcohol is only part of the problem. Drugs other than alcohol are involved in 16% of all motor vehicle crashes, just because these substances affect driving ability and loss of judgment by reducing brain function.
Always choose a designated or sober driver, and never allow a friend to drive while intoxicated. If you’ve been drinking and there’s no one who can get you safely home, it’s better to call a cab rather than drive by yourself.
7. Ignoring Traffic Signs
Traffic signs are there to be followed in an effort to keep drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists safe by avoiding collisions. Stop signs are meant to be stopped at, whether you are in an emergency or getting late. You have to obey the traffic signs even if no one is around you, never know when a car or pedestrian might come out of nowhere, or even a cop!
