Anyone who operates a vehicle should ensure they’re driving as safely as possible. This means they need to be aware of what’s going on around their vehicle and know how to react to circumstances as they encounter them. While most drivers are able to do this without any issue, it’s important to be aware of certain behaviors that are both tempting and inherently dangerous. The problem with these three driving behaviors is that they can all lead to crashes that injure innocent people. Because of this, motorists should avoid them.
Distracted driving can leave a vehicle without adequate control for the length of the distraction. Some distractions can last as little as five seconds, but even that’s too long. A distraction that’s only five seconds is long enough for a vehicle moving at 55 miles per hour to move 100 yards, which is the length of a football field. Drivers who take their eyes off the road, which is common if they check their phone, or their hands off the steering wheel, such as those taking a sip of a drink, are distracted. Thinking about things other than driving is also a distraction. Even things that some people think are innocent, such as looking at a billboard or taking a sip of a drink, are considered distractions while driving.
Aggressive driving is often caused by anger or irritation. It encompasses actions like changing lanes unpredictably in a way that leads to another driver being cut off or driving above the speed limit. Avoiding any aggressive maneuvers is important for safety. Many driving behaviors that are aggressive are against the law, so avoiding them is important for that reason as well.
Impaired driving is a huge issue, partially because drivers don’t always realize that they are too impaired to be driving safely. Many people associate alcohol with impaired driving, but many medications and drugs can also cause impairment that negatively affects a person’s ability to drive. If a driver notices that another driver is showing signs of unsafe driving, such as swerving between lanes or driving erratically, they should stay as far from that vehicle as they can.
In some cases, innocent drivers may be struck by drivers who are driving in a negligent manner. This can lead to catastrophic injuries, which can be costly. Victims of those crashes may opt to file a compensation claim. The time to get the claim filed is limited by state law, so acting quickly is critical to preserve one’s right to seek compensation.