Two Bad Driving Habits That Are Putting You at Risk

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Some drivers are simply worse than other drivers. They do not take the safety of others into concern when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle.  Most drivers are very safe drivers who try to avoid accidents.  However, even the safest driver may have habits that put him or her at risk for an accident. In many cases, we may not realize that our behavior is that bad. Below are two of the worst driving habits that can increase your risk of being involved in a traffic accident.

Distracted Driving in Pennsylvania

Distracted driving has become an increasing problem throughout the United States. The NHTSA estimates that 3,477 lives were lost in 2015 because of distracted driving. Roughly 391,000 people were injured in traffic accidents involving a distracted driver.

Many drivers are not fully aware of the danger of driving while distracted. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and AAA Exchange have conducted several studies involving distracted drivers. Studies have shown that the danger continues even after a distraction has ceased. The time it takes for a driver to be engaged fully in the task of driving after “multitasking” is 27 seconds. During those 27 seconds, a child could run into the road, a vehicle could suddenly stop, or a piece of road debris could suddenly appear. Just a few seconds could mean the difference between avoiding an accident and causing a collision.

Examples of distracted driving include:

  • Texting while driving and talking on a cell phone
  • Reading or sending emails
  • Using any form of social media
  • Looking at videos or reading
  • Using a GPS device
  • Eating, drinking, and grooming
  • Taking care of children or interacting with other passengers
  • Daydreaming or focusing on things outside of the vehicle

Any distraction can increase the risk of a traffic accident. For tips on how you can avoid distractions and other information on distracted driving, visit the distracted driving website provided by AAA Exchange.

Road Rage and Aggressive Driving

Instances of road rage and aggressive driving are also increasing throughout the United States. AAA Exchange estimates that almost 80 percent of drivers experience episodes of anger and aggression at least once in the last year. Aggressive behaviors can lead to accidents and injuries.  Examples of driving habits that can lead to road rage, aggression, and traffic accidents include:

  • Tailgating and following too closely
  • Speeding and reckless driving
  • Yelling at or cussing at other drivers
  • Making obscene gestures toward other drivers
  • Blocking cars from passing
  • Ramming other vehicles
  • Getting out to confront other drivers
  • Sideswiping other vehicles
  • Throwing objects at vehicles
  • Changing lanes without signaling
  • Running stop signs and red lights

If you engage in aggressive driving behavior, you can be increasing your risk of being involved in an accident. For more information about aggressive driving and tips on how to avoid road rage, see AAA’s brochure on road rage.

Call an Erie Accident Attorney for Help

If you are the victim of an aggressive driver or distracted driver, you have the right to file a claim for damages. You should not be liable for the damages caused by a negligent driver.

Call The Travis Law Firm toll free at (800) 401-2066 to schedule a free legal consultation with one of our Pennsylvania accident attorneys.