The top 10 mistakes people make while driving their car
Thursday, December 24th, 2009For the person who is just learning to drive with a driving instructor, they might find it exciting and yet feel nervous at the same time. Gaining your drivers license after attending driving school is a very important step in ones life.
Having finished driving school, you might be feeling capable of confronting any obstacle on the road but what exactly are those obstacles you might face? Read on for the top 10 mistakes drivers can make that result in accidents or death.
#1 - Drinking and driving. The numbers of car accidents that have occured due to alcohol or drink driving tell a sad tale. Each year alcohol contributes to 40% of deaths related to driving. People of the age 16 to 24 make up 60% of that which indicates a lack of experience. Thankfully the solution to this major problem is a very simple one everyone should practice, do not drink and drive, have a friend or family member who is not above the limit drive for you or catch a taxi, cab or bus.
#2 - Texting while driving. Texting related car accidents are on the rise and recent laws to ban the use of a mobile phone while driving have been updated to include sending a text or sms while driving a vehicle. If you’re waiting for an important call, pull your car to the side of the road but you should otherwise call that person back when you have arrived at your destination. It just makes sense doesn’t it.
#3 - Road rage. Every year people are being injured or killed due to road rage which is why it’s such a big issue. Research on road rage shows that drivers who experience a road rage incident are more likely to respond to that person with aggressive behaviour themselves which only feeds the problem. To put it bluntly, this puts many more people at risk than just yourself. Be an adult and ignore the situation. Try to let it go as nothing and realise the other person has the problem, nothing is worth losing your own life or another persons life over on the roads.
#4 - Lack of a suitable car seat for children. Did you know that car accidents are a leading cause of death for all people aged 2-14 years. For children aged between 0 and 2 years, it’s the leading cause of death from a driving related injury. You will need to purchase a car seat if you plan to have your own child or somebody elses child occupy a seat in your car.
#5 - Excess speed. This one is always a surprise as most people are aware how important it is to slow down. What’s involved in 15% of all car accidents? Speeding is and of that 15%, 35% result in a fatal accident. The faster you drive means you have even less time to react should any accident likely occur. This is much worse in situations where the weather is bad and the stats show this. Slow down in conditions that are not optimal for driving.
#6 - Bad weather. While understandable that you cannot always avoid driving in bad weather, it’s important to realise doing so contributes to 20% of fatal highway accidents. If you look at number 5, please consider slowing down if you drive in these conditions.
#7 - Poor eyesight. There is a good explanation why people are required to take an eye test when they go to renew their drivers license. Being unable to quickly spot any hazards on the roads will affect your ability to drive in a manner that is safe for all drivers on the road. If you are required to wear spectacles, have your eyes tested.
#8 - Lack of a seat belt. One of the most effective ways of preventing death in a car accident is by simply wearing a seat belt. It’s been estimated that around 5,000 deaths could be avoided each year if those people would wear a seat belt. Maybe it’s time you started wearing yours.
#9 - Oversteering your car. If you want to learn how not to skid or oversteer, a defensive driving school can assist you with this one by leading you through techniques you can use to avoids those types of situations.
#10 - Fatigue. Driving while fatigued or tired is one of the major reasons car accidents occur. Practice the driver revival techniques and ensure you take breaks if you feel tired or every 2 hours.