Every time you get behind the wheel, you have the chance to encounter hundreds if not thousands of drivers. You never know what state of mind, level of distraction, or influence they are under. Any one of these things can quickly increase the odds of getting into a crash. But just how dangerous are they?
Unfortunately, we can usually only answer this question by looking at the crash data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We can then try to figure out how frequently different factors are associated with collisions. This approach has many limitations, like that this information is collected after the crash. As a result, it’s hard to figure out precisely what the driver was doing before the impact that may have caused it.
How Distracted Driving Compromises Drivers
Distracted driving is when you focus on something else while driving a vehicle. This can include anything from texting, eating or drinking, talking to a passenger, and even adjusting the radio. In 2021 alone, 3,522 people died due to distracted driving. The reason these behaviors can be deadly is that you usually take your eyes off the road to perform most of them. If you're traveling at 55 mph, it only takes 5 seconds to travel 100 yards, which is the length of a football field.
How Emotion Factors Into Driving
Aggressive driving or road rage has been involved in over half of the fatal crashes in the past decade. Some of the most common signs of road rage are speeding, tailgating, honking at other drivers, illegal passing, and other careless behaviors. Not only do you have to watch out for those who have road rage, but victims of road ragers can just as easily go into a rage themselves. In 2021, every 17 hours brought a shooting that was due to a road rage incident.
Not only does being angry behind the wheel lead to accidents but so can driving while being upset. When you're driving under these conditions, you do the opposite of road rage. Studies show that your eye and brain motions slow down, which then lowers your reaction and decision-making times. If you aren't feeling like yourself, you shouldn't get behind the wheel.
What Other Bad Behaviors Increase Driving Risk?
Outside of distracted driving and emotions, there are a few other bad habits that can lead to accidents on the roadways. These include:
Speeding — Speeding was the #1 cause of death in automotive and motorcycle accidents in 2020. Almost 20% of all crashes were due to speeding, causing 10,295 deaths.
Drugs and alcohol — Those under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medications caused 6,246 fatal crashes in 2020.
Lack of sleep — In 2021, drowsy driving attributed to 1,165 fatal accidents. If you drive without the proper amount of sleep, your body performs the same as if you have a 0.08% blood alcohol level.
Right-of-way errors — Surprisingly, failing to yield right-of-way was the 4th highest cause of fatal accidents in 2020. It was a factor of 6.8% of all incidents.
Keep Bad Behavior Out of the Car
Now you know why you shouldn't drive with any distractions, while angry or upset, or with any other unsafe behaviors. You'll not only lower your risk of a crash but be able to focus better as well. Another way to keep yourself safe behind the wheel is by signing up for a driver's ed course at DriversEd.com. This course is for drivers of all ages and is a fun way to become a better, safer driver.
Updated 7/18/23