Fatal Driving Mistakes

In the US, it’s comforting to know that there are now lesser incidents of road accidents or mishaps resulting from reckless driving. Through the years, the government has exerted extra efforts in making roads less dangerous, and even car manufacturers have designed their cars to be safer for driving.

Still, one’s safety on the road would depend largely on how careful a person is behind the wheel.

Outlined below are some of the reckless and totally irresponsible driving practices that could be lethal to yourself and those around you.

• Failure to Fasten Seatbelt

When you don’t wear your seatbelt, you are putting yourself in a much greater risk of fatality. Statistics suggest that about 50% of those who died from vehicular accidents in the past years could still have been alive had they been more conscious about wearing those safety belts. The same goes for other safety gears such as car seats for children and motorcycle helmets. You never know when accidents can strike. You may be very careful, but there are other factors out there that could inevitably bring about mishaps on the road. If you value your life, and those of others’, then using safety gears/devices such as seatbelts, is the smartest thing to do when inside the car, on a motorcycle, or in any vehicle for that matter.

• Driving While Distracted

There are a lot of distractions that drivers could possibly give in to while driving, the most common of which is the use of cell phones. The number of accidents resulting from driving while texting or making calls have greatly increased. Most have been fatal. Other distractions that could most likely cause accidents are drinking, eating, changing radio stations, putting the CD in the car stereo, and being engrossed in a conversation with someone in the car, among others.
When driving, the golden rule is to always focus and keep your eyes on the road. Even just a few seconds of doing otherwise could lead to a major road mishap. In the event that you really need to do something at the same time that you’re driving, you may want to use a hands-free device, or slow down and move to the side of the road, or better yet, look for a convenient place to stop so you can do whatever it is that you need to do and avoid the danger of driving while being distracted.

• Driving At Inappropriate Speeds

Speeding is also one of the top reasons why accidents happen. Driving way beyond the speed limit has proven to cause fatalities. On the other hand, driving too slow, especially in a highway where all cars go really fast, is just as dangerous. If you’re a slow-moving car in the middle of the road, you could be causing inconvenience for the other drivers. There are also situations wherein you need to stray away from the speed limit because it may be too fast. This is true when there’s too much ice or snow. It is always best to drive within limits or at a speed which would be safe considering the circumstances.

• Driving While Physically Incapable or Impaired

If you drive while under the influence of alcohol or certain chemicals, it’s like calling disaster to come upon you. Drunk driving is one of the greatest culprits of accidents on the road. Also, when you are physically incapable at the time you’re driving, like when you’re too tired, or when you have a blurry vision, you are also making yourself highly vulnerable to danger. Make sure you NEVER even attempt to drive when you know that you are not in a physically excellent condition. This way, you are looking out for yourself and for other people’s safety.

• Being Hasty and Careless On the Road

Moving irresponsibly through traffic, like overtaking, driving on the wrong lane, or making your way in between cars, is a great way to invite mishaps. This aggressive manner of driving brings you even closer to minor and major accidents alike. Also, when you’re too unworried and assuming that other drivers will always make way for you, you will also be going over the borderline of safety. When on the road, you have to be alert and always look ahead when you make turns, change lanes, and cross intersections.

• Failing To Keep A Safe Distance

Never stay too close to a car when driving. You have to maintain enough distance to avoid bumping in the event of sudden stops. Ideally, there should be a distance of about 1 car length in between vehicles.

• Driving With Lack Of Experience

Those who have just learned how to drive are expected to be more prone to car accidents. Being inexperienced drivers, they easily get edgy and panicky, thus making them incapable of making the right driving decisions.
Driving is more than just an activity on the road. It is a skill that needs to be honed, and along with that skill is also the ability to make sound and rational driving decisions. It is important to take a driving course, and then reinforce what you have learned through constant practice. Don’t limit yourself to practicing around your neighborhood; also try to drive on highways, city streets, suburbs, and try to drive under different weather conditions. But remember, if you’re still a newbie, always ask a skilled driver to accompany you while practicing.


Flickr photo credit: epSos.de