One of the reasons that car accident risks are so high in the United States is that many drivers simply have dangerous habits. They may even start to think what they’re doing isn’t risky or assuming it’s normal. In reality, it’s just a matter of time before they cause an accident.
Below are five such habits that you likely see on a daily basis:
- Driving when they’re too tired. Experts warn that the accident risks from drowsy driving aren’t that much different than drunk driving, but people continue to take the risk.
- Speeding. Speed limits aren’t just set up to collect ticket revenue. Cars that are going too fast are more likely to crash and people are more likely to be killed or seriously injured when they do.
- Ignoring weather conditions. Even driving at the speed limit may be too dangerous if the road is wet or covered in fog, for example.
- Texting and driving. People are very connected to their phones. They often feel like they can send that text message without issue, or they can’t resist reading one that comes in. Even doing it successfully a hundred times doesn’t mean the next time won’t cause an accident.
- Driving recklessly. People often aren’t content to drive carefully and considerately. They’ll pass on the right, speed up and slow down quickly, weave from lane to lane, accelerate to make it through yellow lights and do many other things that though they may think are a safe and normal way to drive, put them right on the edge of losing control.
The eventual accident may be a wake-up call, but it could be too late to prevent serious injuries. Those who are hurt by these negligent drivers must know all of the legal options they have to seek compensation.
Source: Road and Track, “The 9 Most Dangerous Things Drivers Do,” Benjamin Preston, accessed Nov. 17, 2017