If somebody asked you to rate your driving skills, what score would you give yourself? Many of us think that we’re great drivers but figures show that over 90% of car crashes are caused by driver mistakes. In this guide, we’ll discuss how to be a careful driver.
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Drink and Drug Driving
Drink and drug driving are common causes of fatal collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 lives are lost every day in the US as a result of drink driving. When you drink alcohol or take drugs, there is a risk that your reaction times will increase and your judgment may also be affected. You might take more risks than usual and you may make decisions you would never even consider if you were sober. You might also be drowsy or lose consciousness, which will impact your ability to react quickly and maintain control of the vehicle. If you crash or cause injuries to others as a result of drink driving or driving under the influence of drugs, you will face legal action. Passengers, pedestrians and other drivers have the right to hire the best personal injury attorneys in town to make a claim and you may be banned from driving, be forced to pay a fine or even end up in prison. If you fancy a drink, arrange a lift home, book a hotel or stay with a friend.
Speeding
Most of us are tempted to put our foot down if there’s an open road in front of us but driving at high speeds can be incredibly dangerous. There are restrictions in place to keep drivers safe and reduce the risk of severe injuries. The risk of life-threatening injuries increases as you drive faster. Always pay attention to the signs on the road and lower your speed if it’s foggy, icy or wet. Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you and remember to increase your stopping distance if the ground is wet.
Distracted Driving
We all know that life can get busy, and often, we feel like we have to do several things at once. When you’re driving, it’s crucial to focus on the road. Resist the temptation to send text messages or make calls. If you need to call somebody, send an email or change the music, pull over in a safe place. If you’re busy doing something else when you should be looking at the road, you might not be able to react quickly enough if a hazard, for example, a dog or a child on a bike, emerges from nowhere or the car in front brakes suddenly. If you’re not concentrating and you crash, you will be held liable for the accident.
Are you a careful driver? Many of us think that we’re good drivers but the vast majority of accidents are caused by driver errors. Next time you get behind the wheel, make sure you abide by the rules of the road, respect other drivers and take the conditions into consideration.