The top 10 mistakes people make while driving their car
For 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 completed your affordable driving school curriculum, you’re ready to drive but what obstacles could there be out there on the road ready to confront you with trouble? Have a read of the top 10 mistakes that drivers on our roads are making every day that result in accident or death.
#1 – Combining alcohol and driving. The numbers of accidents that occur due to alcohol tell a sad tale only too many people are willing to tell. Alcohol contributes to 40% of all deaths which are related to driving. Of that 60% you will find learner drivers aged 16-24 who have a lack of experience and judgement while driving. Thankfully, the solution is very simple; do not drink and then drive.
#2- Sending a text message while driving. Mobile phone related car accidents are on the rise so new laws have been introduced which ban mobile phone usage while driving. It’s important not to answer the phone while driving, so pull your car over to the curb if it’s an important or urgent call, otherwise call the person back at another time. Just makes sense.
#3 – Aggression on the road. Every year across the country, people are injured or killed due to road road or disputes on our roads. Studies have shown that those drivers who have experienced a road rage incident are more likely to respond to others with aggression or road rage themselves which only adds fuel to the fire that is road rage. To put it simply, it puts more than just yourself at risk. By being an adult about the situation, you can let it go as it’s not worth losing your life over.
#4 – Lack of a suitable car seat for children. Did you know that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children between the ages of 2 to 14 years. For those children aged between 0-2 years, it’s the leading cause of death as a result of an injury. Be sure to purchase a car seat if you plan to have a child occupy a seat in your vehicle.
#5 – Speeding. This one is surprising given that most people know it’s important not to speed but slow down. Did you know that speeding is involved in almost 15% of car accidents and 35% of those result in a fatal accident. In order to give yourself more time to react, slow down because by speeding up you have less time to react to any hazards on the road or other drivers. The statistics reflect that driving in conditions that are bad are also bad for driving. In less than perfect conditions, it’s important to slow down.
#6 – The 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. This goes right back to number 5, if you must drive in these types of situations then it’s important to slow down.
#7 – Terrible eyesight. There is a perfectly good reason why everyone is required to take an eyesight test when renewing or gaining a drivers license. Being unable to spot obstacles on the streets will reduce your ability (and others) to drive in a safe manner. Having your eyes tested can ensure your glasses are still appropriate for your needs.
#8 – Not wearing a seat belt. Seat belts are the most effective way to prevent your death if you are involved in a serious or minor car accident. 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 about time you started wearing yours if required to do so.
#9 – Oversteering your vehicle. A driving school that teaches or instructs defensive driving can show you how to control your vehicle in situations that are no great so that you do not oversteer or skid your car.
#10 – Fatigue. It’s no surprise that driving while one is tired is a major contributor to car accidents. Practice the driver revival techniques and ensure you take breaks if you feel tired or every 2 hours.