Driving can be risky, and a number of things can go wrong on any given trip. Accidents are by nature unexpected, but unexpectable doesn’t mean unavoidable. There are many things you can do to reduce your risk. Every driver likely commits a few unsafe driving practices every day and we’re all likely to have several bad habits. Luckily enough, these dangerous driving habits that we find ourselves with are often quite easy to fix.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Texting and driving don’t mix. It has been shown that nearly one-quarter of all accidents are caused by people texting and driving, which accounts for 1.6 million auto accidents each year. Distracted driving isn’t just about texting and driving, although that is the activity that’s most talked about. Use a hands-free mode if you absolutely must answer a call while driving. If you listen to podcasts while driving, pick your show before setting out on your journey. Don’t text while driving – it can wait.
Anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road or take your mind off driving increases your chance of being involved in an accident. Put distractions away while you drive and pull over if you need to focus your attention on something else, including your children.
Never Drive While Drowsy
Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunken driving. If you drive while tired, you are going to find that you have slow reflex times like what alcohol does to a driver. Drowsy driving increases your chances of being involved in a fatal crash as it often occurs on freeways and highways where there is a higher rate of speed. If you find yourself getting drowsy while driving simply pull over and get some rest.
Going Too Fast and Following Too Close
Everybody gets in a hurry sometimes, but going faster than the flow of traffic or even the posted speed limit is dangerous. Speeding is not only dangerous for you, but everybody around you, as you have far less time to react to something that takes place in front of you. Going too fast also increase the severity of injuries caused by the impact. Slow down and leave earlier than you need to, so you don’t have to rush to your destination.
Following too close, or tailgating, is almost as dangerous as speeding. You have a shorter time to react to a car suddenly stopping in front of you. You need at least 240 feet to safely stop at 60 MPH, even more if you are driving on wet roads or in a larger vehicle.
Fixing your bad driving habits can take a lot of work, but it’s up to you to save a life, potentially even your own. Focus on the road ahead and change your daily habits to reduce opportunities for distraction. If you are ever involved in an accident, come see us at Spectrum Collision for all of your auto body repair needs.
