What Unintentional Driving Habits Make Roads Less Safe?

Because of the number of times you’ve gotten behind the wheel of a car and survived, it is easy to forget just how dangerous driving is. Even if you believe that you are a good driver, you may be doing some of the ten unintentional driving habits that make roads less safe. While the number of motor vehicle deaths has decreased significantly since the 1970s—thanks to advancements in vehicle safety technology — a new report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes that there has been an increase in the number of fatal crashes involving SUVs and large trucks.

SUVs are increasingly becoming America’s vehicle of choice. Because of their size, they often make drivers believe that they are in a safer vehicle. As a result, drivers may allow themselves to slip into bad habits that make traveling less safe.

Driver error is often the primary cause of a wreck. No matter the size of your vehicle, you should always practice safe driving habits. Avoid slipping into the following bad driving habits to keep the roads safe.

What Driving Habits Make Roads Less Safe?

Safe driving requires a significant amount of alertness and focus. However, over time as we become more confident drivers, we have the tendency to become more relaxed and bend the rules. When you are driving, you should always mindful of the actions that could put you and others in danger.

1. Eating and Driving

Eating and driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving. A person who is eating while operating a motor vehicle increases their likelihood of being involved in a car crash, according to NHTSA.

2. Ignoring Traffic Signs

The number of pedestrians killed in accidents involving SUVs has skyrocketed by 81% in the last 10 years. Stop signs and yield signs exist for a reason. Taking a moment’s pause to double-check that there are no children or pedestrians saves lives. 

3. Failure to Check Blind Spots

Whether you’re driving on the highway or backing out, SUV blind spots are a notorious cause for crashes. Drivers who fail to check their blind spots before moving into another lane can collide with other vehicles. Check your mirrors and turn your head to make sure it is safe to switch lanes.

4. Failure to Use Turn Signals

Failure to use your turn signals is a sure-fire way to put yourself in harm’s way. Changing lanes or turning without letting the cars behind you know can lead to rear-end crashes. Good drivers let other drivers know what their intended actions are.

5. Tailgating

Tailgating can lead to rear-end crashes as a result of petty actions such as brake checking. It’s best to adjust your speed and go around a slow-moving vehicle when it becomes safe to do so.

6. Driving Above the Posted Speed Limit

Speeding is the most ticketed driving offense. A car’s speed often determines not only how severe the damage in a crash is but also how serious the injuries are. It’s best not to drive above the posted speed limit for the safety of everyone.

7. Reckless Driving

Changing lanes too quickly, speeding, and aggression on the roads can lead to serious crashes. Keep a cool head while driving. Drive the speed limit, signal your lane changes, and get to your destination safely.

8. Not Sharing the Road

Merging lanes is simply a part of the driving experience. Letting a car into your lane isn’t going to stop you from reaching your destination. A little kindness on the road goes a long way in keeping everyone on the road safe.

9. Accelerating When the Light Turns Yellow

Many people have come to view the yellow light as a warning to speed up to make it through a light. However, the yellow light’s purpose is to warn you to slow down to a complete stop for the red light. Speeding through yellow lights is one of the worst habits a driver can have.

10. Cell Phone Use

We know! This is one of the more obvious bad driving habits; however, it’s also one of the most common offenses. Even just a quick glance puts you and others at risk. It’s best to pull over or wait until you reach your destination to check your phone, read a text or make a call.

Take our risky driving quiz to find out if you’re a risky driver!

 

The Carlson Law Firm Can Help

Even if you are a mindful driver, it’s possible to be injured by another person’s bad driving habits. For more than 45 years, we have been defending the rights of injured Texans. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries or loss.

Our firm will fight for you as we help you navigate your personal injury claim. We care. We can help.