1. Not Paying Attention
Also known as inattentive driving, this occurs when a driver is simply going through the motions or is unaware of his or her surroundings. This habit encompasses a greater range of behavior, from texting and taking calls on the road, yelling or talking with other passengers or daydreaming and letting your mind drift elsewhere. Yet, all forms of inattentive driving are a major cause of accidents.
2. Not Focusing on the Road
Going hand in hand with the first point, you need to be focusing completely on the road. Drivers who pay more attention to road signs have a greater chance of swerving off the street and into another motorist, a pedestrian or someone’s property.
3. Tire Pressure Gets Low
You might tell yourself that you’ll eventually add air to your tires, but the longer you wait, the greater your chances are of experiencing a flat. Even if your tires are not in danger of going completely flat, driving without proper inflation decreases your gas mileage.
4. Poor Parallel Parking
More of a risk to your own car, poor parallel parking often results in wheels scraped against a curb or bumps, both of which increase your chances of getting a flat.
5. Not Driving Correctly on Wet Roads
During the first 10 minutes of a rainstorm, roads are the slickest. Why is this the case? Precipitation causes oil to build up which, in turn, makes the roads slippery. Drivers who don’t slow down risk hydroplaning or, worse, getting into an accident.
6. Turning Issues
It’s always a good idea to clearly show where you plan to turn and to follow through with your actions. Drivers who aren’t as definite behind the wheel – leaving a signal light on too long, changing a decision about making a turn or swerving by an exit – increase chances of getting into an accident.
7. Not Adjusting Your Car
Ask yourself, can you see other drivers on the road? Or, do you have to crane your neck? Your vehicle’s mirrors must be properly adjusted for your body. Otherwise, you won’t be able to clearly see what’s behind or to the side of you and your reflexes likely won’t be quick enough in emergency situations.
8. Not Doing Routine Maintenance
Don’t wait to make repairs or get routine maintenance done on your vehicle. Not only do you increase your chances of breaking down, but your risks of getting into an accident also go up.
9. Turning Through Multiple Lanes
You probably learned this rule back in driver’s education: only make a turn from one lane. For one, the driver in the neighboring lane isn’t expecting you to make a turn through theirs and second, because that other driver isn’t aware, the chances of getting into an accident increase significantly.
Practicing good driving habits and obeying the rules of the road are two ways to avoid a collision, but even the best and most careful motorists may end up experiencing an accident. If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident and are now dealing with an insurance company that doesn’t want to pay, Trantolo & Trantolo is here to help. If you believe you have a claim, bring it to our attention today.
