Driving is an experience like no other. The feel of the gentle vibrations coming from the engine, the force of gravity when you accelerate and brake, and the unspoken bond that forms between man and machine. The sense of control is what truly, truly makes driving such a satisfying experience.
However, some people simply like to take things to the extreme. And as a rule of thumb, anything in excess is a bad thing. The bad thing here is that when we do things wrong and we don’t get any pushback from anyone, we tend to repeat a certain set of behaviors until they become crystallized in our routine.
The way bad driving habits develop is no exception. And what’s worst about these habits is that they are often done by people who are unaware of what they are doing because it has become second nature.
Well, the first step to solving any problem is to identify it, and so, we begin:
Speeding
Sometimes the thrill of the speed gets to us. Sometimes, we simply need to get somewhere quickly. Other times, well, let’s be honest, it can be fun to show off sometimes. But none of these reasons are valid for speeding. Excessive speed is actually a huge factor in car accidents. Remedy this by using your cruise control if your car has it. And remember, it’s better to be late than to never get there at all.
The mass of your vehicle also plays a big part in accidents. Because as a general rule, the more mass, the more difficult it’s going to be to control it. Take it from this 18 wheeler attorney who specializes in truck-related car accident cases. It’s not a pretty sight.
Distracted Driving
This is especially true of millennials who seem to be glued to their phones. Driving requires peak awareness. You’re dealing with multiple moving objects, after all. Reaction time and awareness are everything in preventing accidents. Don’t take chances. Not only that, but it’s also illegal. If you really must use your phone, pull over.
Driving Under The Influence
One of the top causes of vehicular accidents comes in the form of DUI. When a person is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, their perception and ability to make sound decisions is significantly hindered. Don’t drive if you’re under the influence. It’s that simple.
Beating Red Lights
One of the major dangers to pedestrians and other motorists are people who run red lights. The problem here is that other cars from the other lanes are told to move. If you increase your speed just to beat the red light, then you’re only making the severity of the accident worse. Adhere to traffic rules. They keep you and everyone else safe.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving and road rage go hand-in-hand. Road rage is a crime, and there are several behaviors that fall under this category. Brake checking, tailgating, and high-beaming are all basic examples of aggressive driving, and these behaviors can provoke other drivers as well as yourself. If you do find yourself confronted by an angry driver, call the police and stay in your car.