Whether you’ve been driving for decades or just passed your test last week, you’ll still be surprised by what you can see while you’re on the road. No matter how experienced of a driver you are, that doesn’t mean you’re not vulnerable to all the dangers lurking on the road.
One wrong move such as a quick glance at your phone, a missed turn signal, a moment of impatience, and everything can change. And it doesn’t even have to be your fault. Other drivers can put you at risk even if you abide by all the traffic signs and laws.
That’s why it comes as no surprise that car accidents remain one of the most common causes of injury and death worldwide. The sad truth is that most of these accidents are easily preventable, and all it takes is simply following the traffic regulations and not taking your eyes off the road.
But the rush hour traffic jams force people to go over the speed limits, and it creates a dangerous environment for other drivers.
In the paragraphs below, we’ll take a look at the most common driving mistakes people make, and, most importantly, explain how to avoid them.
Road accidents and the statistics behind them
Every year, millions of people are involved in road traffic accidents, and a significant portion of those accidents could have been avoided. Just think, when was the last time you turned on your TV without hearing about the latest car crash?
According to the World Health Organization, approximately 1.19 million people die each year as a result of road traffic crashes. Another 20 to 50 million suffer non-fatal injuries, but many of these end up with long-term disabilities.
Some of the primary causes include distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding. What’s particularly concerning is that these incidents often involve everyday drivers on routine trips. That means most of these accidents happen when commuting to work, running errands, or picking up the kids.
Main causes of car accidents
In order to be able to avoid getting into any road accidents, it’s important to first understand why they happen in the first place. Across the US, road accidents happen daily, with some states such as Arizona and Montana, being in the lead when it comes to the number of accidents that take place per year.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving is one of the most common and dangerous behaviors behind the wheel today. It includes anything that diverts your attention from driving. The most common examples of distracted driving are texting, scrolling through social media, adjusting your GPS, and even eating.
What makes this mistake particularly risky is how quickly it can lead to disaster. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at highway speed is equal to driving blindfolded.
To avoid this, drivers must make a habit of putting their phones out of reach, setting up navigation before starting the car, and resisting the urge to multitask.
Focused driving is a must, especially when you’re driving at such a high speed.
The worst part is that you can always fall victim to other people’s distracted driving, even if you’re keeping your eyes on the road. If you ever happen to end up in an accident, the best thing you can do for yourself is get in touch with an auto accident law firm and have them handle all the legal intricacies.
The insurance negotiations are not something you want to deal with, so make sure to lawyer up on time.
Speeding
Speeding remains a major contributor to car accidents around the world. Many drivers underestimate the danger of driving just a few kilometers over the limit, especially when they’re in a rush.
But the faster you drive, the less time you have to react and the more severe the impact if something goes wrong.
Even in ideal conditions, high speeds can turn a minor mistake into a fatal collision. The key to avoiding this mistake is simple: slow down.
Follow the posted speed limits, especially in residential areas or poor weather, and plan ahead so you’re not tempted to rush. Arriving a few minutes later is far better than not arriving at all.
Tailgating the car in front
Tailgating, or following too closely, is an aggressive and dangerous habit. And it’s a habit we see far too often on the road. Many drivers don’t realize how little time they would have to stop if the vehicle in front of them suddenly hit the brakes.
Rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents, and they often result from this exact mistake. Maintaining a safe distance gives you time to react and maneuver if necessary.
A general rule is to stay at least three seconds behind the vehicle in front of you, and even more if the road is wet or visibility is low. Giving yourself space is one of the simplest ways to prevent a crash.
Driving under the influence
Finally, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs drastically increases the risk of a crash. This type of impairment affects judgment, reaction time, and coordination. Basically, it affects all the critical skills when you’re behind the wheel. Almost 30% of all traffic crash fatalities involve drunk or impaired drivers.
Sadly, many impaired drivers convince themselves they’re “fine to drive” after a drink or two, underestimating the effects. The safest option is always to plan ahead. If you’re drinking, arrange for a ride or use a taxi or ride-share service. If you’re taking medication that affects alertness, don’t drive.
The final word
As you can see, car accidents rarely come out of nowhere. They’re usually the result of small, avoidable mistakes. Whether it’s a moment of distraction or a bad habit, each of these behaviors has the potential to cause lasting harm.
The good news is that with a little more awareness, patience, and discipline, we can dramatically reduce our chances of being involved in a crash.
Driving is a responsibility we carry every time we sit behind the wheel. It’s about protecting ourselves, our passengers, and everyone we share the road with. So next time you’re out driving, remember: every decision you make can help prevent the next accident. Be the driver you’d feel safe next to.
