Given how serious and even deadly a car accident can be, you might wonder why anyone would not practice safe driving. The problem is that many drivers engage in poor driving habits that sometimes lead to devastating crashes.
According to a 2022 driving habits survey detailed in U.S. News and World Report, respondents admitted to a variety of bad driving habits.
Examples of unsafe driving practices
When it comes to reckless driving, road rage is the top culprit. The 2022 driving survey found that 64% of drivers confessed to experiencing it while driving. Other bad driving habits included the following:
- Speeding
- Not switching on a turn signal
- Failure to wear a seat belt
- Not stopping at a stop sign
- Driving with a pet in their lap
Sometimes even passengers help cause unsafe driving. 25% of respondents claimed that passengers urged them to speed. 27% said that their passengers also exhibited road rage.
Contributing factors to bad driving
While a failure to consider safe driving plays a role in bad driving habits, the impact of technology is also a major factor. 27% of respondents said they text as they drive. 22% of respondents even admitted they were in an auto accident that resulted from someone using a phone.
In addition, some drivers experience fatigue. In fact, 31% of survey respondents admitted they dozed off as they drove, and 11% said they fell asleep during a drive.
Knowing that bad driving practices are so widespread makes it important to avoid them yourself. If an irresponsible driver collides with you on the road, no one should claim that you bore responsibility for your injuries.