Most Common Driving Errors That Cause Road Accidents

We all know that auto accidents can be devastating, but did you know that driving errors are among the most common causes? According to recent studies, most car accidents that occur each year in the United States can be attributed to driver error. At Joyce’s Driving School, we believe in equipping Utah and Illinois drivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to help prevent such mistakes from occurring.

The Statistics Don’t Lie

We shouldn’t be afraid of car accidents, but we do need to be mindful and take appropriate precautions. According to research from Forbes, there are more than 35,000 car-related accidents annually in the United States. Becoming a better driver and utilizing some common sense habits can help minimize risk for you and other motorists. Below are some examples of our errors that could cause an accident and the best ways to avoid them.

Distracted Driving

Most of us know that distracted driving is a serious problem at any given time and on any road. It’s a primary reason for auto accidents. Distractions while driving could include using your smartphone, eating or drinking, or even talking to your friends in the car. While technology is a good thing, many accidents occur from texting, driving, or even phone conversations. One good habit of getting practice is to set your smartphone up on the dashboard or place it in a glovebox.

Not Using a Turn Signal

Using a turn signal is something that drivers take for granted. Unfortunately, too many motorists do not use a turn signal, especially when changing lanes at high speeds. Instead, they rely on their mirrors to make sure they are safe. While this makes sense, it can also be a significant distraction and cause accidents. Using your signals helps other drivers around you, and you’re less likely to avoid a rear-end collision. For instance, if you’re merging onto the highway, use your signals to let the cars behind you know you are about to merge. This will allow them to move over and not rear-end you during your merge.

Driving Too Slow

Driving too slow contributes to road accidents in many ways. While it is commonly believed that driving too fast is the main culprit, driving too slow can be just as dangerous. For instance, when a driver goes too slow on a busy road or highway, other drivers may become impatient and attempt to pass them unsafely. Another way that driving too slow contributes to accidents is by causing traffic congestion. When a driver goes significantly slower than the posted speed limit, they force other drivers behind them to drive at slower speeds. This creates a bottleneck that can cause traffic jams and increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions.

Your best bet is to drive around the same speed as the posted speed limit, within plus or minus five miles per hour. By doing this, you avoid going too fast or too slow. If someone is hurrying to get around you, always use the lane with slower-moving traffic to avoid accidents.

Stopping Abruptly

Many drivers are guilty of slamming suddenly on their brakes, either out of frustration or to possibly avoid danger. This is one road happen that can cause other drivers to react negatively. Stopping quickly puts you at higher risk of a rear-end collision. One easy way to avoid this is to maintain a safe following distance. The general rule is to keep at least two seconds between you and the car ahead. This gives you a little cushion when that driver does something unexpected. It’s not only keeping space on highways, either. On rural roads, it’s important to keep our space because it can often be difficult to see over blind hills or sharp curves.

Being Underprepared For Driving

Finally, you can’t forget that practice is critical before you get behind the wheel. Whether you’re a teenager or haven’t driven for years, take time to learn the ropes beforehand. Our driving school programs can help when preparing for a driver’s test. It doesn’t matter if you’re a teenager or an adult, our professionals have the experience and know-how to get you ready for the road.

Become A Better Driver With The Help From Joyce’s Driving School

Joyce’s Driving School is a leading company that has locations in Utah and Illinois. Our goal is simple. We want to create safe and responsible drivers, no matter how old you are. Whether you’re a first-time driver or need to freshen up your skills, our commitment is to keep you safe. Contact us today to find out more about our driver’s ed programs.