Driving is a privilege, not a right. And with this privilege comes responsibility. If you want to keep yourself and others safe on the road, there are things that you need to do and not do while driving. Here are some of the causes that often lead to car accidents.
Drinking and Driving
Drinking and driving are dangerous and illegal. It’s easy to underestimate the effects that alcohol can have on your ability to operate a vehicle safely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an average-sized male driver takes just one drink to impair their driving abilities.
The consequences of drinking and driving can be severe. In 2020 alone, 11,654 people were killed in accidents involving drunk drivers, accounting for nearly 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States for the year, based on data from the NHTSA.
Suppose you are convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) or DWI (driving while intoxicated). In that case, you could lose your license for 6 months or more, depending on how many prior offenses you have had within a five-year period. You may also face other consequences, including:
- Fines up to $2,500 depending on where you live
- Potential prison time if convicted at trial
- Community service hours
- Participation in alcohol education programs, if ordered by a judge
- Install an ignition interlock device on all vehicles registered under your name following multiple convictions within five years.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving can be any activity that takes your focus off the road. This includes:
- Texting while driving is one of the most common causes of car accidents today.
- Using a smartphone for GPS or music streaming.
- Eating and drinking (even if you’re just drinking water).
- Adjusting the radio, music player, or climate control.
- Reading a map or directions while driving on an unfamiliar route.
These are just a few examples. Distracted driving can include talking to passengers, grooming yourself, and changing clothes while sitting behind the wheel.
Some states have laws to help mitigate this problem. For example, Texas is one of the states with the worst distracted driving problem. That’s probably why the number of pedestrian traffic deaths increased in Texas in 2021. If you meet an accident where the other party was distracted while driving, you can hire an attorney and claim compensation for the same.
You can file a Texas auto accident settlement claim to proceed legally. Your car accident lawyer will help you with the procedure and ensure collecting all the pieces of evidence to help you win the case.
Tailgating
Tailgating is a common cause of rear-end collisions. When you tailgate, you follow another vehicle too closely and fail to give yourself enough time to react if the driver in front of you suddenly stops or slows down. In other words, tailgating means someone is driving too close behind another vehicle without giving themselves enough room in case something happens. This isn’t just dangerous. It can be deadly.
Although tailgating may seem like a minor offense compared to other causes of auto accidents, it’s quite common in heavy traffic and even more prevalent on rural roads. The most dangerous places for tailgaters are two-lane highways with no shoulders or room for error. But any roadway can present danger when drivers don’t give themselves enough space between vehicles.
Speeding
Speeding is a major cause of auto accidents. When drivers speed too much, they can lose control of the car. This can lead to accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding was involved in 29% of all fatal crashes in 2020.
Speeding can also be a factor in accidents that cause serious injury. When the collision speed is more, it can lead to severe injuries, including broken bones. Such accidents can also lead to fatalities.
Running Red Lights or Stop Signs
Running a red light or stop sign is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road. It’s also one of the most common reasons for accidents, and it’s very easy to forget your surroundings while driving. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 928 people died and 116,000 were injured in 2020 when other drivers ran red lights.
Drivers who run red lights or stop signs tend to be distracted, which results in missing important information from other drivers or pedestrians and not paying attention to what’s happening around them. The consequences of running a red light or stop sign may be severe. For example, if two cars collide due to one driver ignoring traffic signals, that driver may be liable for any injuries caused by their negligence.
Reckless Driving
Reckless driving is another common cause of auto accidents. This includes:
- Driving while fatigued (mentally or physically)
- Cars turn left in front of oncoming traffic at intersections without using a turn signal, which often results in head-on collisions
- Drivers making improper lane changes without signaling
Driving can be hazardous when people are reckless, so pay attention while on the road to keep yourself safe. If people did not revoke their licenses for reckless driving and other violations, there would be many more accidents caused by impaired drivers.
When you drive your car, remember that it is an enormous responsibility because if someone else gets hurt in an accident that you caused, they could sue you for damages like medical bills or lost wages from missing work.
As a driver, you need to follow the rules of the road closely and obey all traffic laws because this will help prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. For example:
- Don’t drink alcohol before driving because it impairs your judgment and reaction time.
- Use seat belts properly.
- Reduce your speed when approaching intersections where pedestrians cross streets.
- Pay attention while driving since distractions such as cell phones or eating/drinking can cause serious injuries.
Conclusion
This article has presented some of the dangers of driving and how to avoid them. Remember, your life is worth more than a few minutes of delay on your commute or getting groceries. Take care when behind the wheel, and watch out for others doing their best to drive safely.
