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Five dangerous things other drivers do when they are not drunk

On Behalf of | Nov 3, 2022 | Car Accidents, Car Accidents

While drunk drivers may cause numerous accidents on South Carolina roadways, many other driving behaviors lead to dangerous crashes, too.

No roadway is immune from hazardous drivers. Knowing what to watch for might help drivers avoid collisions.

1. Distracted driving

Drivers often like to multitask while in the car. Whether it is putting on makeup, playing with their dogs or texting, most of these behaviors take the drivers’ attention off the road. The South Carolina Department of Public Safety reports that 18,936 accidents occurred in 2019 due to distracted drivers.

2. Driving when tired

Another hazard is exhaustion. A driver does not need to fall asleep for an accident to occur. Being tired causes reduced reaction times, which may make it difficult to avoid other vehicles and pedestrians.

3. Speeding

An additional hazardous practice is speeding. Speeding is not only illegal, but it is also unsafe for everyone on the road. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 29% of all fatal accidents in 2020 involved speeding vehicles.

4. Driving too fast for weather conditions

While drivers might not surpass a posted speed limit, in certain weather conditions, those limits might still be too fast. Heavy fog, ice and extreme downpours make it difficult for drivers to see objects and stop before causing a crash.

5. Reckless driving

Another bad behavior that may accompany speeding is reckless driving. Drivers who follow too closely, cut in front of other cars or disregard right-of-way laws can cause accidents.

Practicing defensive driving and staying alert is an excellent way to avoid accidents caused by other drivers’ hazardous behaviors.