Avoid These Bad Driving Habits

While the number of motor vehicle deaths has decreased significantly in the last fifty years because of advancements in vehicle safety technology, new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of fatal crashes involving SUVs and large trucks has increased.

SUVs are the most popular type of vehicle in North America and their owners typically believe that they are a safer type of vehicle. This elevated sense of security sometimes causes drivers of SUVs to become lazy and develop certain unwanted and unsafe habits while on the road.

Driver error is typically the primary cause of a motor vehicle accident. The best way to reduce driver error is to reduce bad driving habits. Here are some bad driving habits that every motorist should avoid:

Failure to Use Turn Signals

It is important to ALWAYS use turn signals. Turning or changing lanes without using a turn signal to caution other motorists increases the risk of accidents, especially rear-end collisions. Good drivers should never fail to inform other drivers of their intended actions.

Driving Over the Speed Limit

It is no surprise that speeding is the most ticketed driving offense. Driving above the speed limit is an important factor related to the cause, severity, and seriousness of injuries of all motor vehicle accidents.

Illegal Use of Cell Phones and Other Devices

One of the most common bad driving habits as people, especially teenagers, just can't resist the temptation to look at their phones while driving, even if it occurs mostly while they are stopped at a traffic light.

Tailgating

Tailgating often causes rear-end crashes.

Failure to Observe Traffic Signs and Signals

The number of pedestrians killed in accidents involving SUVs has increased dramatically by over 80 percent in the last ten years. It is vital to pause that extra moment to double check and ensure that there are no children, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Failure to Check Blind Spots

Blind spots in SUVs are a common cause of motor vehicle accidents. Typically, motorists fail to check blind spots before changing lanes. It is important to check mirrors and quickly turn to look to ensure a safe lane change.

Failure to Share the Road

Merging into traffic is give-and-take. It is important to do for others what you would hope they do for you!

Driving Recklessly

Driving or changing lanes at a high rate of speed, as well as any other form of aggressive driving are often the sources of motor vehicle accidents and road rage incidents.

Cruising in the Left, Passing Lane

The left lane is still intended for faster-moving traffic and those who wish to pass or move through traffic. If moving at a slower rate of speed than other traffic, it is best to drive in the right lane.