The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimated that nearly 43,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2021, and one of the major reasons was being intoxicated while driving. All drivers start their journey wanting to get to their destination in time without friction and fatalities, but some mistakes cost them more than their time or money. Here are four common mistakes drivers make while driving and ways to prevent them.

Lack of speed control
Driving too fast during harsh weather conditions or speeding down a slope or around a curve makes it difficult to control the vehicle to halt at a safe spot when one wants to. Drivers who lack control are more prone to a crash or an accident. Furthermore, if one is driving too fast, one will lose control of the car and have less time to respond. Therefore, drivers must travel at a recommended, safe speed and drive in line with the road and weather conditions.

Driving while distracted
Driving demands three major things from a driver, hands on the wheel, eyes on the road, and undivided attention. Sometimes, a preoccupied driver ignores or misses to be in line with these elements. Unexpected emergencies can occur, and when they do, one needs to be prepared to act swiftly and carefully. A driver whose mind is distracted by food or music, or conversation is sure to miss essential signals or overlook emergencies and is more likely to make a mistake.

Not following a single lane
Many drivers unintentionally and suddenly cross into an adjacent lane, whether it is due to ignoring their lane, misinterpreting traffic signs, or making sloppy maneuvers while turning or changing lanes. This is a sure way of bumping into another vehicle unexpectedly. Ensuring that one is following a single lane or even giving proper directions during lane change, like checking mirrors, activating the signal, and looking for a blind spot before turning wheels, can help reduce the risk of accidents.

Driving in exhaustion
Driving when tired is referred to as drowsy driving and involves an immense risk of collision. While on the road, it’s not enough to keep one’s eyes open, it’s imperative to have an alert mind. So it’s advisable to hand over the car keys to someone else or call a cab if one is not feeling energetic and alert enough to take the wheel. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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