It’s no secret that driving can be incredibly dangerous with so many accidents on the road every year. However, there are a few behaviors that make it even more dangerous, and they could put you at risk if you’re not aware of them. The three most common causes of car accidents in the United States are distracted driving, drunk driving, and speeding. Read on to learn a bit more about each of these dangerous driving behaviors.
- Distracted driving: With the proliferation of technology today, it’s very easy to fall victim to this bad behavior. Texting while driving and phone use are some of the most common distractions behind the wheel, but distractions are by no means limited to technology. Distracted driving is especially dangerous, causing approximately one-quarter of all vehicle crashes.
- Drunk driving: Despite the many awareness campaigns to reduce the amount of drunk driving in the United States, this remains one of the main causes of fatal car accidents in the country. While laws permit a certain level of intoxication, any amount of being drunk behind the wheel can lead to reduced reaction times and poor judgment, causing accidents. Over 10,000 people die annually from injuries sustained in drunk driving accidents; that’s approximately 29 deaths per day. Not only that, but there’s a drunk driving injury sustained about every two minutes in the United States.
- Speeding: Speeding and other forms of reckless driving are also responsible for a great many accidents every year. Over 10,000 people die annually as a result of speeding or reckless driving in the United States. Part of the reason this number is so high is that many people who speed or drive recklessly to begin with don’t take proper safety precautions, such as fastening their seatbelts. This means that people driving recklessly are at higher risk of accident and also at higher risk of more severe injuries or even death from those accidents.
While it’s impossible to control how other people drive, there are a few things you can do to keep yourself safe. Limit your distractions behind the wheel, drive sober, and drive safely and within the speed limit to keep you and those around you on the road safe.
