Road accidents occur mainly due to mistakes drivers make. Being aware of these situations will increase your overall awareness as a driver so that you can avoid these, and it will make you and other road users safer.
This article will discuss the top seven mistakes that you need to be aware of and also avoid at all costs.
1. Speeding and Overtaking is Common
Speeding is one of the most common mistakes that drivers make. It is so easy to go over the speed limit without even realizing it, but this mistake can be dangerous for all road users, including pedestrians. The faster a vehicle is going, the more severe the effects of the crash will be upon impact. You may see many drivers in a hurry, speeding and overtaking even when it is not safe to do so. Be aware of this and avoid this mistake so that you can prevent serious accidents.
2. Unawareness of Traffic Rules
This may come as a surprise, but experienced drivers often develop bad driving habits as they get more comfortable behind the wheel. Their knowledge of the traffic regulations also is neglected, and many times this can lead to making a mistake on the roads. If you live in the USA, for example, there are particular left turn on red light rules in Michigan that many people in the local area are not aware of. This ignorance can result in vehicle collisions, which could be avoided simply by taking the time to spruce up on your knowledge.
3. Drivers Do Not Always Keep Distance
This is a common mistake, and you will certainly see this often on the roads – vehicles not keeping enough between the vehicle in front. You can only control so much of what happens on the roads, and you cannot stop others from behaving erratically, but you can avoid being involved if you are not close enough. If the vehicle in front of you steps on the brakes suddenly, do you have enough time to react and stop before crashing into them? Always ask yourself this question and if you are the vehicle in the front and feel that the driver behind is not keeping their distance, slow down so that they can overtake or until they understand the message.
4. Weather is Not Taken Into Consideration
Different types of weather will affect the roads and the vehicles. You may find that there are more accidents happening during adverse weather conditions, particularly during heavy wind, rain, and snow. Albeit this sounds obvious, drivers still drive as if this is not considered. The tires will not react the same, it will take longer for the car to break, and you may lose control of the vehicle if you attempt speeding. There may also be less visibility for all drivers, increasing the propensity to crash.
5. Car Checks Maintenance is Not a Priority
Every driver is responsible for ensuring their vehicle is safe to be on the road. The last thing you want is to have your car break down in the middle of the road or crash in a collision due to a malfunction with your car that you have been ignoring. Although most people conduct their annual maintenance checks as required by law, not everyone makes the basic checks before they initiate their journey. Checking the oil levels, ensuring your brakes work and all the lights work well should be part of your daily routine.
6. Signals Are Not Always Used
This may be mainly due to distraction, but nevertheless remains a top mistake that occurs on the roads that you need to be aware of. Not using signals when turning occurs more frequently than it should, but the real concern happens when vehicles are changing lanes. They assess whether they have enough time to change before the vehicle next to them comes closer, and they move without alerting the other drivers. In this scenario, other drivers will not be aware of your intentions, and they will not slow down. Be aware that others may do this and be sure to not make the same mistake.
7. Drivers Can Easily Be Distracted
From loud music to noisy passengers and phones ringing – distractions on the road are endless, and they can jeopardize everyone’s safety. Be aware that this is potential in many vehicles and that not everyone will be as focused on the road as they should. You will need to work on your defensive driving skills so that you can become more aware of what goes on in your environment and any driving mistakes and avoid these. This is your best chance at staying safe.
Knowing the top driving mistakes will increase your chances of being safe as well as keeping others safe. This page provides you with the top seven mistakes, but there are many more that you will need to be aware of.
