One in four Americans will get into a car accident in their lifetimes, and in 2017, over 40,000 Americans died in a car accident. Car accidents can be traumatizing, costly, and can cause injuries and even fatalities. It is important that all drivers develop safe driving practices and quit any dangerous driving habits they may have. Here are a few driving habits that you should quit today.
Checking your phone while driving.
Everyone knows you shouldn’t text and drive, but many people still do it, which leads to many accidents every year. And it isn’t just texting. Changing music, social media, or anything else on your phone can lead to an accident. Just don’t do it. If you’re tempted, you can try an app that locks your phone while you drive to help you break the habit.
Applying makeup or eating while driving.
Most people think of cell phone use when they think of distracted driving, but things like eating, applying makeup, and looking over to talk to a passenger can also cause distraction. The basic rule? If it takes your eyes from the road, you probably shouldn’t be doing it while you’re driving.
Driving under the influence.
Drunk driving causes around 28% of fatal car accidents in the US. Many people falsely believe they are sober enough to drive after a couple of drinks, but studies show this simply isn’t true. If you plan to drink, make sure you have a safe ride home. Never drink and drive, no matter how okay you feel.
Getting angry while driving.
Road rage actually causes a lot of accidents every year. If you find that you tend to get angry while driving, you need to figure out what is causing it and find some ways to relax. It is not worth a potentially fatal accident. See if you have potentially dangerous road rage by taking this quiz to discover your driving personality.
Driving while tired.
Driving when you’re tired slows down your reaction times much in the same way driving while drunk does. If you’re tired, take a nap before you get behind the wheel. Drowsy driving causes over 70,000 car accidents per year in the US, so don’t take the risk.
Ignoring car maintenance.
Car maintenance can be boring, but it is important to make sure your car is in good condition. Malfunctioning parts can cause dangerous accidents. Additionally, make sure you do your research before buying a used or new car. You don’t want to end up with a lemon that has dangerous malfunctions.
These are just a few habits you can kick in order to be a safer driver. Enjoy your freedom on the road, but make sure you don’t participate in activities that could harm you or other drivers.
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