Sometimes what starts as a simple ride from point A to point B turns into a dangerous situation where your safety and your life are at risk. Most people are involved in numerous car accidents over the course of their lives, each with varying degrees of damage. It shouldn’t surprise you that bad driving habits often cause these accidents.
Bad habits can persist throughout a driver’s life, and age can be a factor. New drivers lack experience and aging drivers experience issues they never had to worry about before. However, by understanding the underlying reasons for common traffic accidents, we can all work to prevent them. Our California personal injury attorney discusses four bad driving habits that lead to motor vehicle crashes.
Driving Too Fast or Too Slow
After DUI, speeding is the next leading cause of car crash fatalities. Back in 2005, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety pointed out the correlation between vehicle speed and crash severity as indicated by the laws of physics. So, the faster you’re moving, the more likely you are to be injured in a traffic accident. Speed limits may feel random, but they were posted for a reason. Going too fast or even too slow on a roadway can increase the likelihood of a crash. When we all travel around at the same speed, the road becomes safer and more predictable.
Not Making Your Intentions Clear to Other Drivers
By using your turn signals as appropriate, you can prevent serious problems with your surrounding drivers. Making a lane change or merging with traffic without signaling your intentions can cause confusion and a possible collision.
Driving Distracted
Distracted driving is a dangerous situation, no matter what it is that takes your eyes away from the road. No one should be shaving or putting on makeup while behind the wheel of a car, and cell phones are a big no-no.
Distracted drivers are a major problem in modern society. So major, in fact, that the federal government is pressuring states into banning eating and driving, texting and driving, as well as every other activity that takes a driver’s attention off the road.
Even looking down for a couple of seconds can make you miss important cues like stop signs and traffic lights. If you are hurt in a car accident because someone was driving distracted, it’s important to call a California personal injury lawyer for the best chance at recouping your losses.
Not Adjusting for Weather Conditions
Speeding is riskiest in poor weather conditions. It’s best to slow down to avoid accidents when the weather gets bad. All-wheel-drive doesn’t work on ice. If you’re driving too fast on a slippery road, your 4,000-pound vehicle is probably going to skid if you need to break in a hurry. The Federal Highway Administration says 24 percent of vehicle crashes happen due to inclement weather, so slow down and always leave space between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
Motor vehicle collisions can cost you legal penalties, time at work, and even your life or the lives of those you love. Engaging in bad driving habits isn’t worth the risk. Drive carefully and show your fellow drivers patience and respect so we can all get to where we need to be safe.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact a California personal injury attorney at Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation for help. Our skilled lawyers have the experience needed to win your case and get you the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 818-783-5757 for a free consultation or contact us online.