Bad Driving Habits

I’m Ed Smith, a Benicia car accident lawyer. A question that often comes up in conversations about vehicle accidents is this: can people really be “accident-prone?” In other words: are some people just more likely to be in a crash than others? Considering the studies that have been conducted on this question, I’d say the answer is yes.

However, it isn’t some innate quality that makes people “accident prone.” Rather, the increased likelihood of accidents is due to the chronic repetition of dangerous driving behaviors. In the following blog, some of the behaviors that make individuals more prone to accidents are explained in order to help you notice and prevent bad driving habits and, consequently, dangerous accidents.

Getting Distracted

Distraction is one of the United States’ leading causes of accidents. If you use your phone for messaging or to browse websites while driving, you are definitely more likely to be in a car accident. Drivers who routinely neglect the road to do things such as check their phone, eat food, groom themselves, etc. pose a serious threat to the safety of themselves and others.

Being Stressed

Driving while under a lot of stress is also a common factor in vehicle collisions. Emotional stress has the ability to make drivers lose focus and spend time thinking about stressful circumstances instead of the road. Making sure you have a clear head before driving can help prevent car accidents.

Being Fatigued

Not getting enough sleep reduces a driver’s mental abilities. Making collision avoidance maneuvers and quick judgments is much harder when the brain hasn’t had time to recharge. The effects of driving while tired increase the chance that a driver will be involved in a collision and contribute to car accidents every day.

Breaking the Law

Drivers who ignore regulations and rules of roadways put themselves and others in danger. Traffic laws exist to let drivers know how to safely navigate roads and ignoring them almost always presents a risk of an accident. Whether or not there are others around, following traffic laws is a sure-fire way to decrease the likelihood that you will be in a car accident.

Tailgating

Some motorists just can’t seem to remember to keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Following too close behind other motorists means shortening the amount of time you have to react to dangerous situations and dramatically decreases the effectiveness of emergency maneuvers, thereby increasing the risk of collision.

Staying Safe

These are just a few of the qualities that “accident-prone” drivers tend to have. Avoiding these behaviors and generally remaining alert while on the road can dramatically reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.

Related Content by Benicia Car Accident Lawyer, Ed Smith:

Benicia Car Accident Lawyer

I’m Ed Smith, a Benicia car accident lawyer. Negligent drivers cause accidents every day. If you have been injured by one, reach me at (707) 564-1900 for friendly advice. My phone consultations are free. Callers outside the area can use (800) 404-5400 as well.

For over three decades, I’ve provided legal aid to residents of Benicia trying to reclaim monies they are justly owed in cases involving personal injury and wrongful death.

Take a minute to browse through Avvo, Yelp, or Google and read some reviews from my past clients.

I’m in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum’s California chapter, the only group for California trial lawyers with past settlements or verdicts valued at a minimum of $1 million.

View our Past Settlements and Verdicts here.

My site, AutoAccident.com, is the Northern California region’s best site for accessing info about motor vehicle accidents and personal injury.

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Bad Driving Habits