Driving Blunders That Can Have Disastrous Consequences
Getting behind the wheel can be dangerous. Even with the latest in automotive technologies improving driver safety, there remains the ever-present possibility of injury or worse. Exacerbating the problem, millions of drivers are overly-confident in their ability to operate their vehicles. Whether they're putting on makeup, shaving, eating, or texting their friends, they can unwittingly pave the way for tragic results. Here is a list of 4 alarming things drivers do behind the wheel which endanger themselves, their passengers, and other motorists.
Driving While Exhausted
A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2007 reported that over 1,400 people were killed that year due to circumstances related to driving under fatigue. The fact is we lead busier lives today than ever before. More people are working additional hours in order to pay bills; some are even holding two jobs while juggling their other responsibilities. People often sacrifice sleep and get into their cars thinking they're fine. In truth, the chances of their being involved in a traffic accident skyrocket. If you're exhausted, don't drive.
Driving Too Fast
The same overconfidence that makes people think they can multitask effectively behind the wheel leads many motorists to speed. Each of us has been on the highway and noticed another driver racing by as if propelled by a medical emergency. The problem is that motorists rarely have the level of control they assume they do. One false move can - and often does - trigger an catastophic accident that impacts multiple cars.
Running Against Traffic Lights
Law enforcement agencies have been noticing a rising trend in the number of motorists who are purposefully running through red lights. This often happens because drivers assume other cars will require a few seconds to react to their newly green light. Unfortunately, that is not always what happens. Sometimes, vehicles that are approaching an intersection are already traveling at a cruising speed; their drivers anticipate the light change. When the light turns green, they enter the intersection in less than a second. Running through red traffic lights is a major cause of deadly accidents.
Driving Under The Influence
Any list that discusses the deadliest blunders motorists make on the road would be lacking without the mention of alcohol. Despite nationwide campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of getting behind the wheel while drunk, fatalities continue to mount. One person dies nearly every half hour from a traffic accident related to drinking. In the 2007 NHTSA study mentioned above, it was also reported that over half of the motorists who were killed in auto accidents at night were drunk.
Even though automakers are designing advanced safety systems for our protection on the road, much of the responsibility for driving safely remains firmly in our hands. That responsibility should not be taken lightly. Learning these simple tips, and applying those to your everyday driving behavior will benefit you in the long run. Be Careful. Drive Safe!
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