Drivers must ensure that they’re operating their vehicles safely. Certain actions pose a risk to a driver and others they share the road with.
For starters, drivers must avoid the following behaviors. All drivers should also try to avoid drivers who are showing signs of any of these concerns.
Distractions: A leading cause of accidents
Distractions come in many forms, including using a smartphone, eating, applying makeup or adjusting the radio. Texting while driving is particularly hazardous because it takes the driver’s attention away from the road for an average of five seconds—a long enough period to cover the length of a football field at 55 mph.
Impairment: The risk of driving under the influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a dangerous behavior that impairs a driver’s judgment, coordination and reaction times. Alcohol affects cognitive functions and decision-making abilities, making it challenging for drivers to assess distances accurately or react quickly to changing road conditions. Drugs, including prescription medications, can cause drowsiness, alter perception, and impair cognitive functions.
Fatigue: The underestimated danger
Fatigue is another significant risk factor that drivers often underestimate. Long hours on the road, especially without adequate breaks, can lead to tiredness, which decreases a driver’s concentration and slows reaction times. Fatigued driving can be as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The monotony of long drives, particularly on highways, can result in a phenomenon known as “highway hypnosis,” where a driver may not remember the last few miles driven.
Every driver can be as safe as they want, but they’re still at the mercy of other drivers on the road. The injuries that occur in car crashes caused by these three factors can be catastrophic. Victims may seek compensation to help offset the financial damages stemming from such a wreck. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started.