Every year, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration records a whopping 6 million accidents. A good percentage of these accidents result in severe injuries or even deaths for the parties involved.
Drivers themselves are at the top when it comes to the common causes of car accidents worldwide. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert driver yourself; you might run into a reckless driver who doesn’t respect the rules of the road. When this happens, you become a victim of a car accident.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the most common driver errors that lead to car accidents.
Distracted Driving
Drivers make the mistake of trying to multitask while on the road. Some have mastered this and can navigate their steering while texting, snacking, or even making a phone call. For others, this could be a death sentence for them as well as for other users of the road.
You must avoid using your phone at all costs while you’re on the road. Statistics show that they are a major distraction for every driver. If you must use it, park on the safe side of the road and do so.
Running a Red Light
Close to 40% of accidents occur at intersections. Running a red light might seem thrilling, but the cons outweigh the pros. The extra one or two minutes you wait at that red light would save you as well as other road users from severe harm and damage.
Patience is one of the most significant virtues a driver needs to master. Otherwise, they could become the creators of dangerous situations on the road.
Not Paying Attention to Other Drivers
All drivers must be aware of blind spots. As its name implies, any vehicle in the car’s blind spot will not be visible to the driver.
Before you get into a vehicle, ensure that all the mirrors are in perfect condition. Advanced vehicles come with cameras that allow the driver to see all that’s happening around them. If these cameras are absent in your vehicle, you must make a mental note to stay alert at all times.
Sometimes, you become a victim of an accident not because of your negligence but because of another driver. Paying attention to other drivers helps you avoid road accidents.
Inadequate Vehicle Maintenance
Every vehicle needs periodic checkups and maintenance, regardless of whether it is frequently used. A vehicle’s functionality is dependent on the condition of its different parts. If any of its parts are defective, they will go haywire and malfunction.
Drivers who make the mistake of leaving their cars without maintenance for long periods stand a high chance of being involved in road accidents. Your vehicle might become unresponsive while in motion, and this never ends well.
Driving in an Impaired state
When you take driving lessons, your instructor usually educates you on the importance of safe driving habits. They focus on the need for you to never drive under the influence of alcohol or any other drug, or in a tired state.
Impairment can drastically affect a driver’s ability to function on the road. It can also affect their ability to keep themselves or others safe, since they cannot respond or react in time to sudden situations on the road.
Unless you’re fully sober and sane, do not get behind the wheel. Those who do not obey these rules usually become victims of or causes of road accidents.
Wrapping Up
Road accidents usually happen because of completely avoidable errors. The results of these accidents are sometimes minor, but in some cases, they can change the lives of those involved permanently.
Drivers have a significant role to play in ensuring maximum road safety and avoiding personal injury claims. We’ve taken the time to list out the common errors that drivers make. Avoiding these mistakes will go a long way toward keeping all road users safe.