Most people live under the assumption that they’re good drivers. As such, they might not ever consider what kinds of behaviors could lead to a collision in the first place. Unfortunately, the data doesn’t really support this line of thinking. In 2016 alone, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that roughly 102 accidents occurred in the United States each day.
One of the most effective ways to avoid being a part of this group is to pick up defensive driving tactics. Part of this means understanding what kinds of driving habits increase your risk of being involved in a collision. To better prepare yourself for the next time you need to get on the road, consult the guide below.
Driving Habits that Increase Your Chances of Being in a Collision
Texting & Driving
Over 23 billion text messages are sent worldwide every day, which is why it should come as no surprise that texting and driving is one of the most highly reported causes of accidents in the country. It might seem harmless to steal a quick glance at your phone while driving or to type out a short message to a friend, but doing so could have disastrous results.
Taking your eyes off the road for even a second puts you at risk of a collision. When you look down at your phone, you run the risk of missing warning signs of a crash, such as a driver ahead of you stepping on their brakes, animals standing at the side of the road, traffic lights changing from green to yellow, and upcoming exit signs.
Try to send and read all your text messages before you start driving. If you must answer or read a text while you’re on the road, find a safe place to pull over before doing so.
Driving While Intoxicated
You might think having one or two drinks before you hit the road is a harmless action. Most people overestimate their tolerance for alcohol and might not realize the effects drinking has had on them before it’s too late. However, driving while intoxicated is highly dangerous. Not only does it lead to blurred vision, drowsiness, and an impaired sense of judgment, but it also causes your motor and reflex skills to slow down. This makes it less likely you’ll react in time if you need to change lanes or slam on the brakes.
Never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking. If you know you plan on having alcohol, try to make accomodations for transportation ahead of time. If you do find yourself out and unexpectedly drunk, utilize rideshare services or public transportation to get home.
Speeding
A lot of drivers like to step on the gas if they’re in a rush, but it’s always in your best interest to abide by the posted speed limit. Going too fast doesn’t just increase your chances of getting pulled over and receiving a traffic ticket; if you aren’t careful, it could also lead to a dangerous collision with another driver.
To limit the chances of speeding, try to plan your route ahead of time. Figure out how long it will take you to get to your destination so you know to leave with enough time to spare.
What to Do if You Are Involved in a Collision
Even if you’re careful, you can’t always control your surroundings — or the people around you. If you find yourself hurt in an accident brought on by someone else’s reckless driving habits, the personal injury attorneys at Craig Swapp and Associates will help you file a claim to get the compensation you deserve.
