Most people drive in Washington almost daily, and many have driven for decades. So, it would make sense that you might become so comfortable that you start to be less on guard.
The problem is that getting too comfortable with driving can also mean that you are more likely to cause an accident because vehicles are still heavy machinery that can do a lot of damage. Here are some common causes of accidents:
Distracted driving
Many stimuli can distract people from being aware of their surroundings through sight or hearing. These are some of the most common ways people are distracted:
- Texting
- Eating
- Rubbernecking
- Music
Some ways to combat these distractions are parking and eating, turning your phone off, allowing space between you and the car in front, and turning down the music.
Bad weather
Bad weather can make visibility harder to see where you are going, such as these factors:
- Ice
- Fog
- Snow
- Rain
It is essential to be more observant during bad weather. You can also check the weather beforehand, maintain your car, and have winter tires.
Impaired driving
Impaired driving is often the most talked about cause of car accidents since one can largely prevent it from happening. But here is a list of ways you can be impaired:
- Fatigue
- Alcohol
- Drugs
Since it is not hard to prevent, planning is critical. You can plan by having a designated driver, parking in a safe place to sleep, or calling an Uber.
Thoughtless driving
You can think of thoughtless driving as selfish driving. You are likely in a hurry to get to your destination, so you follow only some of the laws or drive dangerously, putting yourself and others at risk of injury. Here are examples of thoughtless driving:
- Speeding
- Tailgating
- Weaving in and out of traffic
- Rolling stop
- Running a red light
A way to prevent thoughtless driving is to be aware of the risks involved in driving a vehicle and what can result from breaking the law. Besides, you would not likely arrive much quicker than if you followed the laws and would be vastly less likely to cause an accident.
Your life is more important
Although people are often in a hurry, remember that taking a few more minutes or being more mindful of your surroundings can mean the difference between life and death. So, it would be best if you did not mess around with vehicles.