Road accidents occur every day across the country, and it’s not uncommon for an innocent victim to be left with life-changing injuries. What could be worse than the accident is that many drivers don’t follow basic safety rules when driving. Extra care is vital to ensure that you remain safe on the road. The following are some of the most common driving mistakes that lead to accidents:

1. Distracted Driving

This is a significant cause of car accidents, and you should make it a point to avoid doing it while driving. You can commit this mistake by talking on the phone while driving. Another way to commit this mistake is by reading a text or email message on your phone while driving. Distracted driving can lead to an accident if you react to something you see on the road, like a pedestrian or another vehicle.

For this reason, you should make sure that you keep your phone or other devices out of sight and not read anything while driving. You should also pay attention and use your total concentration while driving. That way, you’ll be able to react quickly whenever something dangerous happens.

2. Speeding

Speeding is very common in today’s society and is a significant cause of accidents. If you’re late for work or want to get home in time, you might feel the urge to speed up. Although this seems like a good idea, it can lead to disastrous consequences.

You should use your total concentration while driving as speeding can lead to an accident if another driver suddenly appears on the road or if there’s an object in your way. Make it a point not to drive over the speed limit and always obey the rules set by the law enforcement agencies in your area.

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3. Driving Under the Influence

If you’re driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this can lead to a severe car accident. Impaired drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident than sober drivers and are often not aware of their level of impairment. It’s essential to wait until your body absorbs all the alcohol before you drive again; otherwise, you might cause a severe accident that could injure or kill many people.

Alcohol and drugs interfere with your body’s ability to react to situations quickly. If you’re driving under the influence, you might be unable to react to a dangerous or sudden situation on the road, which could lead to a severe accident. Be aware of your condition and never drink and drive if you want to reduce accidents in your local area.

When involved in a road accident, it is crucial to contact a Chicago car accident lawyer for advice and help.

4. Fatigue

Driving without proper rest can contribute to a significant accident on the road. A driver without proper rest might experience fatigue while driving, contributing to a severe accident if it goes on for too long. Driving without rest can lower your reaction time and hinder your ability to drive safely.

Taking time to rest before going for another long drive is wise and will help you avoid a car accident. Resting when driving can also help you remain aware and alert to react quickly to anything on the road.

5. Unsafe Overtaking

To overtake a vehicle is legal as long as you can do it safely; however, many people take it too far. Not only is this illegal, but you may also put yourself and other motorists at risk of an accident. Many times, drivers will try to overtake a moving vehicle in a single lane, which can be extremely dangerous.

You should never attempt to overtake while driving on a winding road or at night. You should overtake safely by ensuring you have enough space and time to swerve back into the lane. It is also important to alert other drivers when you are about to overtake them, as this will prevent potential accidents from occurring on the road.

6. Following Too Closely

We all know we should keep our distance from other vehicles on the road, but many people fail to obey this rule. This mistake can lead to a car accident and result in injury or death.

Ensure that you keep a safe distance while driving so you can react immediately to anything on the road. If you notice that another vehicle is not moving fast enough, it’s best to slow down and not attempt to pass it.

7. Unsafe Lane Changes

This is another common mistake that many drivers tend to make while driving. You should never try to change lanes while driving in a way that prevents you from seeing any other vehicles or pedestrians on the road.

Lane changing without seeing anything can lead to an accident. So, you should pay full attention and avoid changing lanes in a way that blocks other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. Remember to check rear-view mirrors and blind spots while changing lanes or moving toward other vehicles.

8. Overloading

Overloading will affect acceleration and fuel efficiency and increase the likelihood of an accident. Before heading out on a trip, it is essential to ensure your vehicle is loaded correctly. Overloading beyond the weight limit will make your car unstable and affect handling.

9. Bad Weather

Conditions such as ice, snow, or fog can create unsafe driving conditions and limit visibility at any given time during the year.

For this reason, it’s essential to take extra care whenever poor weather conditions occur. You should also follow the signs and avoid driving on snow-covered or slippery roads.

Conclusion

Driving is an activity that requires proper attention and focus. You can avoid a significant accident and stay safe on the road by ignoring the above common mistakes.