The Top 10 Deadliest Driving Habits

Driving is dangerous- even for the most conscientious of drivers. Then, there are those drivers who raise the stakes for everyone by engaging in risky driving behaviors. Sometimes drivers may take chances without realizing just how dangerous their actions are. Below, is a list of some of the deadliest mistakes people make behind the wheel.

Here are the top 10 deadliest driving habits:

Drunk Driving. Nearly 300,000 times daily, people drive under the influence of alcohol, and approximately 4,000 of those people are arrested for DUI. Driving under the influence can result in expensive fines, jail time, or loss of life. In fact, nearly 30 Americans die in drunk driving crashes every day. That’s equivalent to more than one person every hour. Never get behind the wheel of a vehicle if you have been drinking. In the state of Colorado, it only takes a few drinks to be over the legal limit of 0.08% BAC. Instead, take a cab, call Uber, or find a designated driver. If you notice a driver behaving oddly, they may be drunk, definitely impaired & could be a danger. Learn what signs to look for to stay safe.
Excessive speed is a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all fatal car crashes. It can also exacerbate injuries in a non-fatal crash. Don’t be tempted to make up lost time by speeding. Is a deadly accident really worth shaving a few seconds off your arrival time? Always obey the speed limit signs, and go a little slower in inclement weather. Speed kills.
Texting and Driving. Perhaps the most recognizable and deadly form of distracted driving- using a cell phone behind the wheel- increases your likelihood of crashing by three times. Current statistics show that 25 percent of car accidents now involve a cell phone. Place your cellphone in the glovebox or place it in airplane mode to prevent distracting notifications and alarms from tempting you. It can wait.
Other Forms of Distracted Driving. Anything that diverts your attention away from the primary task of driving is considered a distraction. In addition to using your cell phone, eating, shaving, applying makeup, changing radio stations, and having conversations with passengers can all be deadly. Distracted driving crashes kill 3,154 people each year, and injure 424,000 more.
Road Rage and Aggressive Driving. Reckless driving, tailgating, disregarding traffic laws, and erratic lane changing are all potentially deadly forms of aggressive driving that are responsible for over half of all fatal crashes.
Not Using Blinkers. Failing to use signals for turns or lane changes leaves the motorist behind you guessing about your intentions and could result in a deadly rear-end accident. Always use your turn signals and look for other cars’ turn signals before going.
Drowsy Driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conservatively estimates that 72,000 accidents in 2013 were caused by drowsy drivers, resulting in at least 44,000 injuries and 800 fatalities. Try to get adequate sleep every night – but especially before taking a long road trip. If you are tired, pull over and try to take a nap or engage in light exercise to wake you back up. Better yet, have your passenger drive the rest of the way.
Not Driving for Weather and Road Conditions. Speed limits are intended for favorable conditions. Darkness, inclement weather, or other driving challenges may necessitate slower speeds.
Not Maintaining Vehicle. Although your vehicle is meant to last for years, it cannot do so without proper and regular maintenance. Your car’s driver’s manual will have a recommended maintenance schedule if you’re ever unsure. Make sure your tires are adequately inflated and that they are changed regularly to prevent devastating blowout accidents.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt. It won’t prevent a crash, but wearing your seat belt during one could certainly save your life. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that seat belt use during a crash can reduce your risk of serious injury or death by half. Always buckle up – no matter what.

Further Reading: New Study Links Concussions With an Alarming Health Risk

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