Reckless driving is a major cause of accidents, injuries, and death on the road. In fact, reckless driving has been shown to be one of the leading causes of car accidents in America. What’s worse is that many people who engage in this behavior are not even aware that they are doing so. This makes it all the more important to be aware of the signs of reckless driving and how to avoid it. Here are some tips from the experts on how to avoid reckless driving:
Table of Contents
1. Obey Traffic Laws
Traffic laws are therefore a reason. They are designed to keep everyone safe on the road. When you disobey traffic laws, you are putting yourself and others at risk. If you want to avoid reckless driving, make sure to obey all traffic laws.
This includes things like speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs. In addition, motorcyclists have some additional laws to follow. As seen at https://warnetthallen.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyer/reckless-driving/, these additional laws include: all riders must wear a helmet, motorcycle passengers must be seated behind the driver, and riders younger than 16 must be properly seated and have compliant helmets. By obeying all traffic laws, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.
2. Take Your Time
When you are in a hurry, it is easy to make mistakes. You might not see a stop sign or yield sign. You might misjudge a turn. You might even speed without realizing it. If you want to avoid reckless driving, take your time.
There is no need to hurry. If you can, leave early so that you are not rushed. You will be less tempted to speed and cause a car accident if you allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. In addition, taking your time will help you stay calm and avoid road rage.
3. Get Rid of Distractions
It’s no secret that distracted driving is a major problem in the United States. In 2017, 3,166 people were killed in crashes involving distracted drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
There are three main types of distractions: visual, auditory, and cognitive. Visual distractions take your eyes off the road; auditory distractions take your ears off the road; cognitive distractions take your mind off the road.
To avoid all three types of distractions, put your phone away, turn off the radio, and focus on driving. If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location first. And if you are feeling tired, pull over and take a break. Driving while distracted or tired is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol.
4. Don’t Drink And Drive
As we mentioned earlier, driving under the influence of alcohol can be really dangerous. In fact, it is even more dangerous than driving tired. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 28 people in the United States die every day in Drunk Driving Crashes.
If you have been drinking, do not get behind the wheel of a car. Call a friend, call a taxi, or use public transportation. It is not worth the risk. Even a few glasses of wine can make it difficult to focus on the road and make good decisions. If you are going to drink, hand over your keys to someone else.
5. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
This tip applies to both drivers and pedestrians. When you are driving, be aware of other cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians. If you are walking, be aware of cars. Pay attention to the traffic signals and crossing signs. Do not assume that drivers will see you or stop for you. And do not jaywalk. Jaywalking is illegal in most states and it is also very dangerous. If you want to avoid being hit by a car, make sure to cross the street at a designated crosswalk.
6. Keep A Safe Distance
Following too closely is another common cause of car accidents. Just because you’re driving cautiously doesn’t mean everyone else is. If you tailgate, you are putting yourself and others at risk. If the car in front of you stops suddenly, you could rear-end them. To avoid this, make sure to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. The general rule is to leave at least one car length for every 10 mph that you’re driving. So, if you’re driving 30 mph, you should leave three car lengths between you and the car in front of you.
7. Don’t Let Rage Overwhelm You
We have all been there before. Someone cuts us off in traffic or doesn’t signal when they’re turning. It’s easy to get angry. But getting angry behind the wheel is a recipe for disaster. When you’re angry, you’re more likely to make poor decisions. You might speed, tailgate, or even try to engage in road rage. If someone angers you on the road, take a deep breath and let it go. It’s not worth risking your life over.
Reckless driving is a major problem on the roads today. By following these simple tips, you can avoid becoming a statistic. Drive safely and always obey the traffic laws. And if you see a driver who is behaving recklessly, report them to the authorities. Together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.
