Danger on the Road: The Most Common Unsafe Driving Habits

3 min read  .  Jan 5, 2023  .  By DRVR

When we get behind the wheel, we have a responsibility to ourselves and others to drive safely. Unfortunately, not all drivers follow this responsibility, and unsafe driving habits can lead to serious accidents on the road. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the top five unsafe driving habits and the dangers they pose. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some statistics will be indicated to highlight the prevalence of these habits and their impact on road safety. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just learning the ropes, it’s important to be aware of these habits and do your best to avoid them. By driving safely, we can help to reduce the number of accidents on the road and make our roads a safer place for everyone.
Texing while driving

Texting while driving: This is one of the most dangerous habits a driver can have, as it takes the driver’s attention away from the road and puts them and others at risk of a collision. A study conducted by the NHTSA found that drivers who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash or near-crash event.

Drinking while driving

Photo by Sidral Mundet on Unsplash

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Impairment due to alcohol or drugs can significantly impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely and can lead to serious accidents. In 2019, drunk driving fatalities accounted for 28% of all traffic fatalities in the United States, according to the NHTSA.
Speeding

Photo by benjamin lehman on Unsplash

Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or driving too fast for conditions can make it more difficult to control the vehicle and can increase the likelihood and severity of an accident. The NHTSA estimates that speeding was a factor in 26% of all traffic fatalities in 2019.
Failing to yield

Photo by why kei on Unsplash

Failing to yield: Failing to yield the right of way to other vehicles or pedestrians can lead to collisions, particularly at intersections. In 2020, there were 3,663 fatal crashes in the United States that were caused by failing to yield the right of way, according to the Insurance Information Institute (iii).
Distracted driving

Photo by Fortune Vieyra on Unsplash

Distracted driving: Any activity that takes the driver’s attention away from the road, such as eating, drinking, or using a GPS, can be dangerous and increase the risk of an accident. In 2019, distracted driving was a factor in 9% of all fatal crashes and 16% of all injury crashes in the United States, according to the NHTSA.

In conclusion, unsafe driving habits such as texting while driving, driving under the influence, speeding, failing to yield, and distracted driving can have serious consequences on the road. These habits can lead to accidents, injuries, and fatalities, and it’s important for all drivers to be aware of the dangers they pose. By following the rules of the road and driving safely, we can do our part to reduce the number of accidents on the road and make our roads a safer place for everyone. If you’re a driver, make sure to avoid these dangerous habits and always prioritize safety when you’re behind the wheel.

Interested in driving behavior? Visit our website and see what we can help you with at www.drvr.co

Driving | Driving Behavior | Road Safety | Roads | Safety

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