As drivers, many of us often take safety for granted. As common and mundane as driving a car is, the fact is that it is actually incredibly dangerous, especially if you are not paying attention. People in engage in dangerous driving habits every day, often without even knowing that doing so risks not only their own life, but the lives of others as well.
Here are some of the most common bad driving habits that lead to accidents, which you should avoid:
- Texting and Talking: In general, distracted driving is quickly becoming one of the biggest culprits of accidents in the country, whether one is talking or texting on a phone, fiddling with the radio, or zoning off. However, using a cell phone is particularly dangerous because it requires so much of our attention that it reduces our awareness of our surroundings to the point where, in some aspects, it is similar to driving drunk. Even the use of a hands-free device is dangerous. Your hands might be on the steering wheel, but your mind is elsewhere.
- Improperly Adjusted Mirrors: Many drivers commonly adjust their rearview mirror to reveal the car’s flank and the road behind them. However, some experts believe this set-up can actually be quite dangerous. The proper way for drivers to position their mirrors is to show only the road behind them and not their car. Why? It helps you escape blind spots that could force you to look around before switching between lanes.
- Driving, Eating, and Drinking: Speaking of distracted driving, just as using a cell phone while driving can distract a driver, so can eating and drinking. It requires you to intermittently take your hands off the wheel, look away from the road, and you might even make a mess, which can further distract you. If you absolutely cannot wait to dive into a meal, pull into a parking lot and scarf it down before you resume driving.
- Drunk Driving: Drunk driving is not only illegal, but dangerous. If you have consumed alcohol, your reflexes and ability to make sound judgments will be severely impaired, which can cause an accident. If you plan on partying, do yourself a favor and also plan for a safe way to return home, whether it be a designated sober friend, a taxi, or ridesharing service. You should also look out for your friends and make sure none of them drive home drunk.
- Driving While Fatigued: You might not think that being tired is a big deal while you are driving, but sleep deprivation can impact your reflexes in a manner that is similar to consuming alcohol. If you find yourself dozing off while behind the wheel, pull over somewhere safe and take a nap before you resume driving. It might make you a bit late to your destination, but at least you will be alive and will not cause any accidents.
- Driving a Hot Vehicle: This one probably seems unusual, but if your car is out in the sun, gets heated up, and you hop right in for a drive, this could be dangerous. The hot air might make it difficult to breathe and the steering wheel might be so hot that you can barely hold onto it. Instead of driving immediately, roll down the windows or turn on the air conditioner to cool down your car before you embark on your journey.
Georgetown Personal Injury Attorneys
At Goeing, Goeing & McQuinn, PLLC, our Georgetown personal injury attorneys are committed to providing exceptional legal representation for the wrongfully injured. Backed by over 20 years of experience in the field and millions of dollars obtained in verdicts and settlements, our team is well equipped and qualified to handle even the most complex cases. We understand that this is a difficult time for you, which is why we want to handle the legal side of matters while you focus your energy on recovering and moving forward.
Contact our office today at (859) 757-4002 to schedule a free consultation.