Because most of us drive almost every day, it can become something we think very little about. We are more concerned with getting from point A to point B that we can forget that driving can be very dangerous. The less we think about it, the more likely we are to develop bad habits and put ourselves at risk. By recognizing some of the biggest driving mistakes, it’s easier to avoid a potential accident.
Grooming While Driving
To some drivers, this may sound ridiculous – however, grooming and primping while driving occurs more than you may think. Many risky drivers will put on makeup, look in the mirror and even shave while behind the wheel. If you are guilty of any of these, it’s time to change your habits immediately. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times, your safety depends on it.
Adjusting Car Settings
Another one of the more common driving mistakes is focusing too much on their car settings and too little on the road. Whether it be constantly changing radio stations or adjusting the air conditioning/heat, fiddling around with car settings is a distraction and should always be avoided.
Driving Under The Influence
Driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is a terrible idea. It reduces your reaction time and could cause a fatal car accident. Furthermore, you can get arrested and face serious financial and social consequences. While this may seem obvious, people often make the mistake of hitting the road while taking certain medications that make you drowsy. You may even take too much over-the-counter cough medicine to impair your driving ability. Stay sober, stay vigilant, stay safe.
Driving Tired
Did you know that driving tired is responsible for up to 20% of motor vehicle accidents? This surprising statistic shows that all of those yawns on your way to work could be putting you in serious danger. While it is dangerous to drive with any amount of fatigue, it is unacceptable to drive when you are extremely tired. If you find yourself pinching your cheeks to stay awake, pull over at the nearest gas station and grab some caffeine. You can also plan your sleeping schedule to allow for more time to wake up and get ready in the morning.
Road Rage
The dangers of road rage are filled with irony. While yelling at someone else’s driving mistake, you could be the one driving dangerously. Stress and emotions cloud our ability to focus properly on the road. If you feel anger building up while you drive, try to take a few deep breaths and focus on your own driving, rather than anyone else’s.
Cell Phone Use
We all like to stay connected. Just about everyone spends a portion of their day checking their phone, browsing social media, reading texts and taking photos. We do this so much that cell phone use while driving has become a more common type of driving mistakes. Is that text message really that urgent that you need to respond before getting to a destination? If you feel an overwhelming need to answer a text message or take a photo, pull over to the side of the road. This is also important to keep in mind for those who aren’t driving. Try not to tempt people you know by texting them while they are in the car, you could sincerely regret it.
Tailgating
Tailgating is another of the many driving mistakes that many aggressive drivers make. Drivers who are constantly trying to weave through traffic often tailgate behind other vehicles in hopes that they will speed up and get out of their way. In reality, these drivers aren’t saving themselves much time and make the road a more dangerous place. One small occurrence could leave the driver in front slamming on their brakes, causing both cars to collide.
After Making Driving Mistakes
Even if you follow all of the best practices for safe driving, accidents happen. Whether you make a mistake or someone else on the road does, anyone could find themselves stuck on the side of the road. When something goes wrong, make sure you know a company that will assist you quickly and efficiently.
At Accurate Towing Service, our trained and certified team will arrive quickly to provide you with excellent and professional service. We’ve provided the very best in roadside assistance for over 30 years. If you find yourself in one of these situations, contact us and we’ll be there in no time.
