Stupid driving habits can cost you. An auto accident occurs on U.S. roads every five seconds, resulting in more than six million crashes every year, according to Driver Knowledge. Many of these accidents cause considerable, life-altering damages for the individuals involved, with approximately three million injuries resulting. Sadly, 6% of those accidents, or about 90 per day, resulting in death. There is always an element of danger when driving a ton of metal on the roadways, but there are many precautions that can alleviate some of your risks. Whether or not illegal, vow to avoid dangerous activities when driving and keep yourself, those in the vehicle with you, and other drivers and pedestrians on the roads safe.
Playing Overly Loud Music
It may seem a bit silly, its a stupid driving habit to blast music beyond reasonable levels. Keep the music at a reasonable volume. It’s perfectly fine to turn on your favorite tunes and may even make the drive a little more tolerable. However, excessive decibels can damage your hearing and may result in a disturbing the peace ticket from law enforcement according to WEAU News. Excessive noise prevents you from hearing car horns and other important sounds that could potentially prevent an automobile accident. Not only that, but they’ve found that the louder the music in a car is, the more likely the driver is to speed or perform other dangerous actions. Keep the volume reasonable when driving!
Looking at Cell Phones or GPS
Looking at your cell phone is off-limits when driving and is probably the worst of the stupid driving habits. Texting while driving is illegal in many cities and states, just like talking on the cell while driving. According to Craig Swapp, “The list of possible driving distractions seems to grow every day. From cell phones to GPS systems, distractions in the car drastically increase the chance of accidents. If a driver was distracted when he or she caused your accident, he or she can be held legally responsible.” If something critical comes up while driving, then pull over in the nearest parking lot or onto the shoulder of the road to check your phone. The few minutes that it takes to pull over to check your phone can save a life!
Distracted by Passengers
When friends are in the car with you, make sure they aren’t too rowdy. It is hard to imagine that your friends and their happy moods could be dangerous, but if it becomes too distracting to focus on driving and the road, that is very well the scenario. Ensure everyone in the car is cool, calm, and collected before arriving at your destination and keep everyone safe!
Applying Makeup or Getting Dressed
It may seem a little over the top, but there are many people every day who get dressed in some way while driving to work or school. NPR states that, “27% of teens admit to sometimes changing clothes, putting on shoes, putting on makeup, changing out contact lenses, and even doing homework behind the wheel.” This is frankly unacceptable due to how distracted such actions can be. All it takes is one wrong action, and lives can be irreversibly changed or lost. Being a couple minutes late to work, class, or whatever else you’re going to is worth safety.
Driving While Tired or Drowsy
Never get behind the wheel of a car and drive if you’re sleepy or tired. In many places drowsy driving is considered illegal, but it’s not illegal everywhere. That being said, a study by the National Sleep Foundation found that drowsy driving and drunk driving are very similar in regards to reaction time and making the best choices in the event of a reaction needing to occur. Even though it may not be illegal it can be incredibly dangerous for yourself, others in the car with you, and other drivers on the road.
Check out some of our other articles on similar subjects!
5 Things You Should Do Immediately Following a Car Accident
How to Conquer Your Fear of the Freeway: Driving Tips for the Fast Lane
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