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Driving gives you freedom, but it also comes with responsibility. Every day in the U.S., crashes happen not just because of bad luck but because of choices drivers make behind the wheel. Small habits like glancing at your phone or rolling through stop signs can quickly turn into major risks. The good news is that most accidents are preventable if you know the dangers to watch out for. Let’s break down ten of the most common habits you should avoid to stay safe on the road.
1. Texting or Using Your Phone While Driving
Reaching for your phone might feel harmless, but it’s one of the deadliest distractions on the road. When you look down at a text, you take your eyes off the road for about five seconds. At highway speeds, that’s like driving the length of a football field blind. Even hands-free calls can pull your attention away from traffic changes and potential hazards. The problem isn’t just your hands but your focus. Every time you split your brainpower between driving and checking notifications, you increase your odds of missing brake lights ahead or a pedestrian stepping into the street. To avoid this, silence notifications and keep your phone out of reach until you’re safely parked.
2. Speeding Beyond the Limit
It’s tempting to push past the posted speed when you’re running late, but speeding reduces your ability to react to sudden changes. A faster car needs more distance to stop, and a small miscalculation can make the difference between braking in time and hitting another vehicle. Speeding also increases the force of a crash, turning what could have been a fender bender into a serious injury. The risk isn’t only on highways but also in residential areas where children or cyclists can appear unexpectedly. Remember, the limit isn’t a suggestion. It’s based on road design, traffic flow, and safety studies. By sticking to the speed limit, you protect not just yourself but everyone around you.
3. Tailgating Other Drivers
Following too closely is one of the most aggressive driving habits and one of the easiest to fix. When you tailgate, you leave no room for error. If the car in front of you slams the brakes, there’s often no time to avoid a collision. The recommended following distance is at least three seconds, but most drivers crowd much closer. Tailgating not only raises the risk of rear-end crashes but also ramps up tension on the road, causing unnecessary stress for both drivers. Instead of pressing forward in frustration, back off and give space. You’ll reduce accident risk, save wear on your brakes, and drive with a clearer head.
4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Intersections are some of the most dangerous spots on U.S. roads, and running a red light is one of the leading causes of urban crashes. Even rolling through a stop sign creates risk because other drivers and pedestrians expect you to stop fully. The split-second gain you think you’re making isn’t worth the risk of hitting a car crossing legally or striking someone in a crosswalk. Many cities use cameras at intersections to fine violators, but the bigger consequence is the chance of causing a serious accident. Making a complete stop and waiting your turn is one of the simplest ways to keep yourself and others safe.
5. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
This might seem obvious, but it remains a major problem across the country. Alcohol slows your reaction time, blurs your vision, and impairs judgment, while drugs like cannabis or prescription medications can make you drowsy or unfocused. Thousands of fatal crashes each year involve impaired drivers, and most of them could have been prevented with one better choice. Even if you feel “okay,” your brain isn’t working at full capacity. If you’ve been drinking or using substances that affect alertness, call a ride service, take public transit, or ask a sober friend for help. The cost of convenience is never worth risking lives.
6. Ignoring Weather Conditions
Rain, snow, ice, and fog change how your car handles, but many drivers fail to adjust their habits. Driving the same way you would on a clear, dry road puts you at risk of skidding, hydroplaning, or losing control. Slowing down, leaving extra space between cars, and turning on headlights in poor visibility can make the difference between a safe trip and an accident. Black ice in winter or standing water after heavy rain can appear suddenly, so being cautious pays off. Weather doesn’t cause crashes on its own driver choices in bad conditions do. Respect the elements and adapt your driving every time.
7. Distracted Driving Beyond Phones
Phones get most of the blame, but distractions come in many forms: eating, adjusting the GPS, fiddling with music, or turning around to talk to passengers. Every second your attention shifts, you risk missing a hazard. Unlike phones, these other distractions often feel less serious, but they can be just as dangerous. Picture trying to open a snack bag on the freeway or reaching for something that rolled under the seat you’re essentially driving blind. Make adjustments before you start the engine, and if something demands your focus, pull over safely. The road should always get your full attention.
8. Failing to Use Turn Signals
Skipping your turn signal might feel like a small thing, but it creates confusion that can easily lead to collisions. Other drivers can’t read your mind, and without a signal, they may misjudge your intentions. This is especially dangerous in heavy traffic or on highways when lane changes happen quickly. Failing to signal also puts pedestrians and cyclists at greater risk since they rely on those cues to stay safe. Using your blinker is one of the easiest habits to build it takes almost no effort but makes the road safer for everyone. Consider it basic respect for other people sharing the road.
9. Driving While Fatigued
Drowsy driving is more common than most people realize, and its effects are similar to being under the influence of alcohol. Tired drivers react slower, have trouble focusing, and sometimes even nod off behind the wheel. Long stretches on the highway at night make the problem worse, especially if you didn’t sleep well. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving causes thousands of crashes each year. If you catch yourself drifting out of your lane, blinking hard to stay awake, or forgetting the last few miles, it’s time to pull over and rest. No schedule is worth the risk of falling asleep while driving.
10. Road Rage and Aggressive Driving
Getting angry behind the wheel leads to reckless decisions that endanger everyone. Tailgating, cutting off other cars, weaving through traffic, or speeding up to block someone from merging are all signs of aggressive driving. Road rage escalates minor frustrations into dangerous situations. When you let emotion control your driving, your judgment suffers and accidents become more likely. Instead of feeding into it, take a breath and remind yourself that arriving safely matters more than winning a moment of ego. Staying calm behind the wheel keeps you and everyone else safer.