Motor vehicle accidents involving injuries or death are sadly fairly common occurrences across the United States, and these incidents seem random and unrelated. However, certain types of accidents are more prevalent in some states than others due to particular dangerous driving habits.
Most Dangerous Driving Habits in South Carolina
Driving While Tired
Typically, crashes caused by drivers are not malicious or intentional as simple mistakes can lead to serious accidents. This is evident as one of South Carolina’s most dangerous driver habits was failing to keep in the proper lane. Drowsy driving can cause decreased awareness and impaired decision-making. The threat of falling asleep behind the wheel can also lead to fatal consequences. Drinking coffee, listening to energizing music, or simply pulling over to a safe area or rest stop for a quick nap are ways you can help keep yourself and other drivers safe.
Driving In Bad Weather
Even the most careful drivers can fall victim to inclement weather. The Federal High Administration attributes 21% of car crashes to weather. Wet pavement is the number one cause, followed by rain, snow, and sleet. If you’re planning on driving during a storm, make sure to inspect your vehicle. Check that your tires have adequate traction, your headlights and wipers are working, and make sure to change your tires or add chains if needed. Another simple way to stay safe is to just slow down when driving in iffy weather.
Speeding
Speaking of slowing down, speeding is a consistent factor in car accidents and fatalities on the road. Driving faster than the posted speed limit significantly increases your chances of experiencing a collision with other drivers. Speeding is also concurrent with other risky behavior, like distracted driving, aggressive driving (road rage), and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Again, stay safe. Slow down.
Road Rage
It’s easy to let your temper get the best of you when driving. Just remember, when you’re driving, keep your emotions in check. Usually the actions of other motorists aren’t directly towards you so chill out.
Driving Without a Seatbelt
Wearing a seatbelt reduces your risk of sustaining serious injury in the event of a car accident. Yet, so many drivers refuse to wear one. Even if you’re just going around the corner and not on a long road trip, you should always be wearing a seatbelt to stay safe.
Other Potentially Dangerous Driving Habits
After compiling the most dangerous behavior for each state, researchers looked at various causes for accidents like police pursuit or reckless driving. South Carolina was the state with the second most fatal crashes related to road rage and failure to yield right of way. The state also had the third most accidents caused due to driving on the wrong side of the road and erratic lane changing.
Not all car accidents result in fatalities, but any crash can still leave victims with injuries, property damage and hefty bills. An accident attorney could help injured parties receive compensation from negligent drivers.
Whether a crash was caused by failure to keep in the proper lane, road rage or something else, contact us so that we can help you hold a liable driver accountable.
