The top 10 mistakes that contribute to road accidents
For those people attending driving school, it can be a scary and exciting process for them 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? Let’s get started and take a look at the top 10 mistakes that drivers can make that result in car accidents.
#1 – Combining alcohol and driving. There are numerous accidents which sadly involve alcohol. Every year on our roads across Australia alcohol is contributing to 40% of all driving related deaths. Of that 60%, people who are aged 16-24 are involved. This shows a lack of experience. Yet the solution to this problem is so very simple, do not drink and then drive.
#2 – Sending an SMS while driving. Whether you’re talking on the phone or sending a text, the law stipulates this is now illegal and these laws were introduced to combat the increasing accidents that come as a result of using a mobile phone 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. It makes perfect sense.
#3 – Anger while driving. Every year across the country, people are injured or killed due to road road or disputes on our roads. Studies indicated that drivers who experience road rage from other drivers are inclined to respond to that aggression in a similar fashion. Put simply, this puts more than just yourself at risk of causing a car accident. By being an adult in this situation, you can ignore the road rage and live to see another day.
#4 – No or inappropriate car seat. Did you know that car crashes are a leading cause of death for children between the ages of 2 to 14 years. For children aged between 0 and 2 years, it’s the leading cause of death from a driving related injury. It’s important to purchase a car seat if you intend to have a child in your vehicle while driving.
#5 – Driving too fast or simply speeding. Most people are aware it’s important to slow down so this makes for a surprise. Did you know speeding is involved in 15% of all car accidents and 35% of all fatal crashes. The faster you drive means you have even less time to react should any accident likely occur. This is much worse in conditions that are considered to be less than perfect and that statistics show this. In less than ideal conditions for driving, slow down.
#6 – The weather. Driving in bad weather cannot always be avoided and sometimes people have no choice and sadly 20% of fatal road accidents are simply because of bad weather. If you look at number 5, please consider slowing down if you drive in these conditions.
#7 – Poor eyesight or vision. 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 spot road hazards and other obstacles on the streets will reduce your ability to drive safely. If you’re required to wear glasses, get your eyes tested regularly.
#8 – Failure to wear a seat belt. Seat belts are the most effective way of preventing your death in a 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 time to begin wearing yours again.
#9 – Oversteering the car. A defensive driving school can help you with this one as they will be able to take you by the hand and guide you through maneuvers that can stop you from skidding out or oversteering your car.
#10 – Driving while sleepy or tired. One of the biggest contributors to car accidents is driving while feeling fatigued or while one is already tired when setting out on the trip. Practice the driver revival techniques and ensure you take breaks if you feel tired or every 2 hours.
