When Drivers are negligent, they can cause accidents that can claim the lives of themselves and others on the road. Sadly the Insurance Institute For Highway Safety has estimated that in 2020 the number of deaths from auto accidents was over 38,680. Let's look at some every day Bad Driving Habits from CrashTest.org and helpful tips to avoid them.
1. Driving Under the Influence
Nearly every day, almost 30 people die from alcohol-related vehicle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (1) Alcohol and other illicit substances impair your reflexes and your reasoning. Which causes drunk drivers to overestimate their ability to drive safely or sadly believe they won't get caught.
Tip to avoid driving under the influence:
Plan ahead. This can save your life and the lives of others on the road. Take an Uber or designate a sober driver (Not everyone will want to drink), and make sure your friends do the same.
2. Distracted Driving
Distracted Driving is not only looking at your phone. It involves any activity that involves you looking away from the road, such as eating and putting on makeup, but smartphones have become the most significant distraction. The newest statistics from the NHTSA show that in 2020, distracted driving claimed the lives of 3,142 people.
Tip to Avoid Distracted Driving:
If you have trouble not getting on your phone with driving because your receive notifications, put it on Do Not Disturb. If your vehicle has Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto, make sure it is set up before starting your trip.
3. Speeding
Speeding has been an issue in car accidents, and fatalities since vehicles have been around. The latest NHTSA statistics show that accidents involving speeding killed 9,478 people, which accounts for almost 30 percent of all fatalities that year.
Tips to Avoid Speeding:
Plan ahead set a time that you need to leave, and stick to it. If you are running late, let the person know what time you plan on being there. If a driver is speeding recklessly, give them plenty of space.
4. Driving Without a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt will dramatically reduce or prevent injuries in the event of an accident. However, many drivers do not wear them. According to the CDC, more than half of the fatalities of car accidents in 2018, drivers and passengers aged 13-44 were not wearing their seatbelts.
Tip to avoid Not Wearing a Seatbelt:
Wear your seatbelt. It's as simple as that, whether you are going to work or just around the corner to the grocery store, wear your seatbelt.
5. Driving While Tired (Drowsy Driving)
According to the latest statistics from NHTSA, in 2019, nearly 700 lives were lost due to drowsy driving. Driving while tired has many similarities to driving while drunk, such as - slower reaction times, impaired decision making, and decreased awareness. In addition, commercial drivers and drivers aged 16-25 are more likely to drive tired than any other category.
Tips to Avoid Drowsy Driving
Drinking an energy drink or coffee, listening to music, or opening your window can stimulate your mind and wake you up. Then, if needed, find a safe area to pull over and take a nap.
6. Driving in Bad Weather
Bad weather conditions such as snow, rain, and sleet can affect all drivers, even those driving most carefully. According to The Federal Highway Administration, from 2007 to 2016, 21% of vehicle crashes were weather-related. The leading cause is wet pavement which is 70%, followed by rain at 46%.
Tips for Driving in Bad Weather
Ensure that your tires are properly inflated for optimum traction in all conditions and that your headlights and taillights are in working order. An easy option is to slow down and take it at a safe speed.
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