Many of today’s drivers have dangerous driving habits. You do not have to travel far to see people driving with risky driving techniques. Dangerous driving habits can be observed on highways, residential streets, and in parking lots. Dangerous driving habits are not only fraught with danger to the driver performing them, but to the public as well.
Everyone Eventually Crosses Paths with a Reckless Driver!
Many of us survive these encounters, but some do not. Dangerous drivers kill people and destroy property every day. As a result, insurance companies cite dangerous drivers as one of the main reasons for the skyrocketing cost of automobile insurance.
There Are Drivers from All Age Groups That Have Dangerous Driving Habits.
Younger drivers can be dangerous drivers simply because they lack experience driving in various environments, such as driving at night or driving on interstate highways. Older drivers are sometimes dangerous because their senses and reflexes are not as sharp as they once were.
Technology Has Also Added to Dangerous Driving Habits.
Cellphones are now more popular than ever and many drivers have them. While driving in town or on the highway, it is rare not to see someone driving while talking on his or her cell phone. Another dangerous driving habit is applying makeup while driving. Applying makeup while driving is thought to be a leading cause of accidents and is completely irresponsible. One of the most common dangerous driving habits is eating while driving. Many drivers leave the drive-through lane of their favorite restaurant and immediately pull onto a road while trying to eat and drink the food they just purchased. All of those bad habits can distract a driver from paying attention to other drivers on the road and being aware of road conditions.
There Are Many Kinds of Driving Habits That Are Considered Risky.
Speeding is a very common driving habit that can lead to a disaster. Drivers that speed are engaging in reckless and impulsive behavior. It is especially dangerous to speed in residential neighborhoods where children and pets may be playing. Speeding drivers can also be dangerous in neighborhoods where homeowners in their vehicles are entering and exiting their driveways.
Another Category of Dangerous Driving Habits Is Failing to Use Turn Signals.
Proper use of turn signals can help prevent most accidents. Failing to use turn signals properly can increase the rate of accidents with other vehicles and pedestrians. Turn signals are simple devices that can give advance notice to other drivers about your driving intentions. It is unfortunate that failing to use such a simple device can cause so many tragedies in terms of lives and property damage. Road rage is one of the consequences of failing to use turn signals. Many drivers become enraged when they barely escape an accident due to another driver failing to use a turn signal to notify them before changing lanes or making a turn.
Many dangerous driving habits are a result of overconfidence. Drivers with years of experience sometimes become dangerous drivers because they are overconfident in driving their particular vehicle, or a particular route between home and work. They are not prepared when something out of the ordinary occurs.
There is an old saying: “Good habits are as hard to break as bad habits.” If you have dangerous driving habits you can change them by applying good driving skills for a few weeks, many of these good driving techniques will become your new habits.
You should practice watching for speed limit signs and adjust your speed if necessary. If you practice using turns signals every time you make a turn or change lanes it will quickly become a habit. Developing good, safe driving habits may one day save your life or the life of someone close to you.
And, even if your driving skills fall short, having someone you can count on is priceless. Give us a call!
