The unfortunate fact of the matter is that accidents are common, and they may lead to injuries or even deaths. While aspects like mechanical faults contribute very minimally to accidents, the most worrying thing is that human errors are responsible for most wrecks. There are common mistakes that drivers should avoid to prevent road carnage.
Here are 7 driving habits that can put your life in danger that are avoidable:
Using Cellphone While Driving
Social media can be addictive, and it greatly distracts many drivers. Using a smartphone behind the wheel is a serious problem that causes many traffic accidents. You can read more about distracted driving to see how it continues to cause havoc on the road whilst it is avoidable. When driving, you should make it a habit to avoid using your smartphone under any circumstance. If urgent, pull off the road, park, and answer your phone or send some text messages. Alternatively, you can use a hands-free system in your car for voice calls.
Drunk Driving
Research shows that most road accidents occur due to drunk driving. When you are under the influence of alcohol, the chances are high that you make poor judgments that often result in crashes. Intoxicating substances often affect your reaction times, which can result in an accident. Thus, the thumb of rule is that you do not drink and drive. When you are intoxicated, you should consider the option of using an Uber to your place.
Not Checking the Mirrors
Some drivers also have the habit of not checking their mirrors regularly. This can be dangerous since other vehicles can suddenly approach out of nowhere. You should always remember that you are not the only user of the road so you must be very alert. You do this by always checking your mirrors, no matter how straight and clear the road. It is also good to practice defensive driving, even if you are right, to avoid being hit by other reckless drivers. When you find yourself in a precarious position, you should remain composed and try to find the best way possible scenario to avoid a severe accident.
Encroaching A Wrong Lane
When you are on the road, always keep on the right lane and avoid encroaching other lanes if it is not safe to do so. When overtaking, make sure the road is clear and safe to do so. You should avoid overtaking cars in prohibited zones since other vehicles can approach from nowhere. For instance, avoid overtaking on an incline, a curve or when visibility is poor. Drivers who make poor decisions when overtaking cause avoidable accidents by their recklessness.
Ignoring Traffic Signals
Negligent driving is another cause of accidents that is avoidable. For instance, drivers who ignore traffic signals not only put their lives in danger but that of the other road users. Speed limit signs in different zones are there for a good reason, so you should not be tempted to ignore them. Other areas are slippery, so you should drive with caution to avoid accidents. Some people often ignore stop signs, and this is a very dangerous habit that you should avoid so that you are safe on the road.
Driving Too Closely Behind Another Vehicle
Another bad habit on the road is driving too close to other cars in front. You should always maintain a reasonable gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This will save you from crashing into the car in front of you should the driver decide to stop suddenly. According to traffic rules, any driver who hits another car from behind is at fault automatically since they should have been alert enough to prevent such foreseeable danger.
Unnecessary Over Speeding
The other main cause of fatal crashes on the road is aggressive driving. Yes, on a freeway you can cruise, but it is dangerous to over speed on congested roads or in urban areas. Aggressive drivers always behave as if they are late on time and you can recognize them by their overtaking maneuvers in the wrong places. Dangerous driving is also characterized by screeching of tires and swerving of the car. In most cases, you may not be able to control the car when confronted with a threatening situation.
While traffic accidents can be inevitable in some instances, it can be observed that in some cases, car crashes can be avoidable. To be safe on the road, you should practice extreme caution and avoid bad driving habits that can endanger your life and the lives of others on the road.
