The Lesser Known Dangers Of Driving

It’s no secret that driving can be dangerous; according to the U.S. Department of Justice, motor vehicle accidents make up 52% of all personal injury cases. However, not all dangers of driving are immediately apparent to all drivers. Some of the most dangerous driving scenarios, in fact, are the ones that get overlooked. The following are some of the most easily-forgotten dangers of driving that you should be on the lookout for next time you’re about to get behind the wheel.

Distracted Driving

With all the technology available in the world today, it’s very easy to get distracted behind the wheel. From cell phones to technology that’s integrated into the car, more and more options exist today to keep drivers distracted. This means that more drivers on the road today are going to be distracted, putting you and everyone else on the road at risk. Avoid multi-tasking behind the wheel to keep you and your family safe.

However, it’s not just technology that can cause the problem; general distraction can be just as dangerous. Just keeping your attention elsewhere other than driving can cause problems. 68% of poll respondents frequently or sometimes make their shopping decisions while in the car. However, when focused on shopping decisions like this, or simply if you’re tired behind the wheel, you’re more likely to cause accidents. Before going on a longer trip, make sure you get plenty of food and rest.

Dangerous Conditions

Sometimes, the dangers of driving aren’t the driver’s fault at all. Often, the conditions of driving are all it takes to create dangers behind the wheel. Anything beyond ideal conditions for driving can create potentially harmful situations, whether it’s because of rain, dark, snow, and more. This is why so many places take care to improve conditions as much as possible. In many areas, the law requires parking garage lighting to be on 24 hours a day to help make the area as safe for driving as possible. This is also why street signs are reflective; it increases visibility for essential signs that help keep drivers safe.

When conditions are less than ideal, do your best to drive extra cautiously. Avoid moving too quickly on the roads, and make sure all passengers are secure. Driving is already dangerous, and rough conditions can worsen the roads. If the weather is especially difficult, do what you can to avoid getting on the road altogether. While certain dangerous conditions are avoidable, external conditions aren’t, so it’s safest to limit driving in these situations where possible.

Driving has the potential to be incredibly dangerous, but by limiting your own distractions and being cautious of road conditions, you can keep you and your family safe on the road. Make sure to watch out for driver behaviors even when you’re the passenger. If you think someone isn’t safe to drive, either because they’re distracted or the conditions are especially rough, make sure you intervene to keep everyone safe.