Dangerous Driving Habits that Increase the Risk of Car Accidents

Bad habits can be easy to get into, but when you get into bad habits on the road, you could be risking a car accident. Dangerous driving habits can cause accidents, but breaking these habits can help protect you from injuries. Learn more about these unsafe behaviors, and what you can do to prevent them.

Speeding

Driving faster than is safe for conditions can be dangerous for not only you, but also for other drivers around you. Speeding is one of the leading causes of accidents. Adjust your speed appropriately for the conditions, and slow down for poor weather, darkness, low visibility, or poor road conditions.

Distracted Driving

When your attention isn’t on the road, it is easy to be involved in an accident. Texting or talking on the phone while driving, adjusting the radio, applying makeup, or other distractions should be avoided. Wait until you are stopped to handle anything besides driving.

Drifting Between Lanes

Failing to maintain your lane can also contribute to crashes. You may be driving too fast for conditions or you may be distracted, but drifting out of your lane can increase the risk of head-on collisions or running off the road. Pay attention to the road and be sure to stay in your lane.

Passing when Unsafe

As frustrating as getting stuck behind a slow vehicle is, passing when you don’t have adequate space to do so is a recipe for disaster. Head-on collisions and running off the road are dangers when you pass another vehicle on a two-lane road. Take extra care when passing, and never pass when you can’t see what’s coming.

Failing to Yield

When merging or making left turns, be sure to yield the right of way to those who have it. Failing to yield can be deadly. Allow others to pass you before making turns or merging and stay safe.

Tailgating

Following the car in front of you too closely won’t allow you time to stop or avoid them if they need to brake suddenly. Allow a gap between you and the car in front of you that will let you stop safely. The gap should be the about 3 to 4 seconds of space. Measure by counting the time it takes you to pass a stationary object after the vehicle in front of you passes it.

Speeding up For Yellow Lights

Yellow lights are meant to indicate that traffic is about to be stopped, but speeding up for them can cause you to run a red light. Slow for yellow lights to avoid T-Bone accidents and take an extra moment to watch intersections before crossing.

Changing your own driving habits can be an easy way to prevent causing accidents. Other drivers may not be as safe, however. If you are injured in an auto accident, you deserve compensation. Negligent drivers can leave you injured and faced with expensive medical bills. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you recover damages and ensure that your needs will be met after the accident.

At Goldstein, Heslop, Steele, Clapper, Oswalt, and Smith, we understand the importance of adequate compensation for your injuries. Our team of Altoona auto accident lawyers is dedicated to your rights, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that your case is resolved to your satisfaction. Contact our offices to schedule a consultation today!