Driving safely isn’t just about you—it’s about everyone else on the road, too. Most accidents happen because of mistakes that could’ve easily been avoided. So, it’s important to know which behaviors put you and others at risk. Car crash attorneys can help you if you have been hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver. Below are five dangerous habits to avoid while driving because they can lead to accidents, injuries, and even legal trouble. Let’s break them down and see how they impact road safety.
1. Distracted Driving
It’s easy to get distracted while driving. We’ve all been guilty of checking our phones, grabbing a snack, or fiddling with the radio. But every time your eyes leave the road, you’re taking a huge risk. Just a few seconds of inattention can lead to a crash.
In 2019, distracted driving was responsible for 3,142 deaths, according to the NHTSA. Most of these accidents could’ve been avoided by simply staying focused.
If you’re hit by a distracted driver, you’re not alone. A lawyer can guide you through the process of getting compensated for your injuries and damages.
2. Driving Under the Influence
Driving after drinking or using drugs is one of the most dangerous things you can do. Alcohol and drugs mess with your reaction time, your judgment, and your ability to control the car. That’s a deadly combination.
Every 52 minutes, someone in the U.S. loses their life because of a drunk driver. It’s a heartbreaking reality and a reminder of how devastating one bad decision can be.
If you or someone you love has been in a DUI accident, a lawyer can step in to help. They’ll work to get compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll caused by the accident.
3. Speeding
We’ve all had those moments—running late and feeling the urge to speed up just a little. But speeding reduces your reaction time, turning what could’ve been a minor incident into something far more serious.
In fact, speeding was responsible for 26% of all traffic deaths in 2018. That’s a sobering statistic and shows just how dangerous it can be.
If speeding played a role in your accident, a lawyer can help prove the other driver was at fault and fight to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
4. Aggressive Driving
Tailgating, cutting people off, or driving with a bad attitude—it’s all part of aggressive driving. And while these behaviors can be irritating, they’re also extremely dangerous. In just a split second, road rage can lead to an accident.
According to the NHTSA, aggressive driving is behind 29% of all crashes. It’s not just frustrating; it’s reckless. A lawyer can help hold them accountable for their actions and make sure you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve been hurt by someone driving aggressively.
5. Not Wearing a Seat Belt
It’s very important to wear a seat belt. Thus, if you are in a crash, not buckling up places you at a much higher risk of being seriously injured or even killed. Just in one year, seat belts assisted in preventing nearly fifteen thousand fatalities. That is why it is one of the simplest and most efficient for saving human lives on the street.
If you are among those who never wore a seat belt every time an accident occurs, it could be a problem. But that does not mean that you are entirely without a choice. It means that you should not hesitate to involve a lawyer in your case so they can guide you on how to seek compensation.
Conclusion
Driving safely is about more than following the rules—it’s about protecting yourself and everyone else around you. By avoiding these five dangerous habits, you can do your part to keep the roads safer.
