An excellent way to lessen your chances of being involved in an auto accident is avoiding these reckless habits.
Reckless driving is a blanket term that covers a broad range of risky behaviors. An excellent way to lessen your chances of being involved in an auto accident is cutting down on these reckless habits. Below, we present some of the most common mistakes people make on the road and explain why avoiding them is in your best interest.
Speeding
Speed limits are not arbitrary. Instead, traffic safety experts choose them based on the nature of the road. The result is that it is always smarter to stay at the speed limit or slightly underneath it. People that choose to go faster get into more accidents, and because the speed is higher, those accidents tend to be more damaging.
Following too Closely
Another common mistake is following too closely, which many people call “tailgating.” What you can do to avoid this error is make sure your following distance is at least 3 seconds. You can do so by choosing a stationary object on the side of the road, starting to count when the car in front of you passes it, and stopping your timer when you reach the object.
Running Through Intersections
Whether it is a stop sign or a red light, running through an intersection is one of the most dangerous things you can do. The reason is that it so often leads to T-bone collisions, which are frequently deadly. You can avoid this mistake by making complete stops at signs and adhering to traffic lights.
Not Using Turn Signals
One of the primary causes of accidents is a lack of communication. The reason is that you cannot tell other drivers what you’re about the do. Fortunately, you do have your turn signals, which can indicate your next move. An excellent way to stay safe is using them whenever it is appropriate.
Improper Merging
When merging into traffic, be sure to keep your speed up and try to fit seamlessly into the line of cars. Alternatively, when someone is trying to merge into your lane, try and be polite by letting them in. Doing so will increase your safety and make traffic flow better.
Unsafe Lane Change
Many people change lanes in an unsafe way. You can avoid this mistake by following a few simple guidelines. They include using your turn signal, checking your blind spots, and making sure there is ample room for you to move into the other lane.
Being Too Aggressive
A common mistake is getting angry on the road. The result is excessive honking, cutting people off, tailgating, and more. If you want to stay safe, you must resist these feelings and try to remain calm.
Eliminating your reckless driving habits is one of the best ways to make yourself safer on the road. That being said, you cannot rely on other drivers to do the same. If you find yourself involved in an auto accident with some who was driving recklessly, get in touch with a St. Louis auto accident lawyer 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 for a FREE consultation.