5 Negligent Acts Most Drivers in the US Are Likely to Engage In

One of the most common reasons for accidents is negligent driving behavior. This unsafe practice endangers the driver and puts pedestrians, other passengers, and motorists at risk. Traffic laws enforce and promote road safety; drivers, however, fail to comply with them, resulting in serious consequences.

Understanding Negligence in Driving

Negligence can be defined as a driver’s failure to exercise reasonable care while driving the vehicle. Negligent behavior has been defined to include reckless actions, such as speeding, and more low-key behaviors, such as failure to check blind spots. A high traffic density area such as Lake Stevens, Washington, registers a particularly high risk of car accidents attributed to negligent driving.

A Lake Stevens car accident attorney is skilled in handling cases of vehicular negligence. These legal professionals help you understand your rights and guide you through the legal process after a crash.

Establishing fault can be difficult, as multiple factors are at play. Legal professionals are equipped to analyze accident reports, collect evidence, and represent victims in getting fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

1. Distracted Driving

A common reason for the accident is distracted driving. The use of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems can lead to distraction. Major causes of distracted driving are:

• Texting or talking while driving
• Adjusting GPS or music settings
• Eating or drinking while driving
• Conversing with co-passengers while driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) holds distracted driving as the reason for thousands of fatalities annually. A distraction of a few seconds can cause severe accidents, which makes it important for drivers to be focused on the road.

2. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Exceeding the legal speed limit is a common behavior drivers engage in. Speeding affects the reaction time as well as the severity of injuries. Reckless behaviors, such as tailgating, weaving through traffic, and failing to yield, increase the risk of collisions.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) lists speeding as a significant reason for fatality. Though law enforcement does try to curb speeding, most drivers continue to indulge in this behavior, ignoring safety.

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving while drunk or high on drugs is another leading cause of car accidents in the US. Drivers experience reduced coordination, slow reaction times, and diminished judgment. It makes them a danger to everyone on the road. Small amounts of alcohol or medications significantly affect a driver’s ability to drive safely.

Strict DUI laws are not a deterrent to many individuals who still engage in this behavior. Sobriety checkpoints conducted by law enforcement agencies impose severe penalties if caught for DUI. However, the responsibility is solely that of the drivers.

4. Failing to Obey Traffic Signals and Signs

Disobeying traffic signals, stop signs, and right-of-way rules are common forms of negligence. Not stopping at red lights, not yielding at intersections, and dismissing pedestrian crossings increases the risks of accidents. Reckless drivers risk their lives as well as endanger others, such as pedestrians and cyclists.

5. Improper Lane Changes and Merging

Risky lane changes and improper merging are common causes of accidents. Drivers who do not signal, do not check blind spots, or aggressively merge into traffic are dangerous for others too. Driving on the interstate and highways demands lane discipline, which many motorists ignore to make sudden lane changes without signaling.

Often, truck accidents are caused due to negligent merging. Large vehicles cause blind spots. Drivers cutting off trucks or not signaling for slow stopping distances can cause serious accidents. The collisions can be reduced with defensive driving and signaling.

Conclusion

A lot of accidents and fatalities are due to negligent driving behaviors every year in the US. While traffic laws are framed to reduce such incidents, personal responsibility does have a role in ensuring safe roadways. Simple actions like avoiding distractions, minding the speed limits, not driving under the influence, minding traffic signals, and making lane changes can lower accident rates.