When you’re out driving, the hazards in your vicinity aren’t the only dangers that you need to avoid. Sometimes, the most dangerous roadway factors originate within your own vehicle. These common bad driving habits have the potential to put your life in jeopardy, so retrain your brain to avoid them at all costs.
1. Excessive speed
The faster you drive, the less time there is to react to dangers nearby. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, you have greater chances of losing control and experiencing a severe accident. Your vehicle’s safety features are also less likely to protect you properly. You may be in a rush to reach your destination, but consider whether it’s worth the risk of never arriving at all.
2. Ignoring your blind spots
Many drivers lure themselves into a false sense of security by thinking that they somehow have total awareness of their surroundings. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. According to the AARP, neglecting blind spots is the most common bad habit that motorists exhibit.
It’s critical to realize that your mirrors can’t show you everything. Blind spots are real hazards, so take the time to turn around and confirm what’s nearby.
3. Getting distracted
Think you can multitask while you drive? Disabuse yourself of the notion. From phones to conversations and even mid-commute meals, distractions claim countless lives.
The problem revolves around the fact that human brains can only do so much simultaneously. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety notes that distraction accounts for 5,000 fatalities annually, or about 16 percent of roadway deaths. Even if you’re willing to take the risk, consider whether your passengers and fellow motorists might feel differently, and keep your focus on the road.
Dealing with bad driver habits in action
You may have quashed these bad habits yourself, but what about other drivers? If you’ve been in an accident, you might need to prove that one of these factors played a contributing role. Consulting with a legal adviser could help you get started.