It would be nice to think that every licensed motorist consistently uses the skills they carefully practiced and learned to pass their driving test. But we are all human, and we all turn into bad drivers from time to time. Some drivers develop bad habits that are nearly impossible to break – and these unsafe driving behaviors can lead to a Michigan car accident in an instant.
Causes of Michigan Car Accidents
Staying alert, observant, and aware of your surroundings when behind the wheel of a vehicle is essential. Distractions are everywhere, however. Far too many drivers are the victims of fellow motorists who don’t focus on being safe on the road. Here are just some of the bad habits that can cause a car accident:
- Being attached to your smartphone. Traveling at a speed of 55mph while looking at your smartphone is like driving the length of an entire football field – blindfolded. Put the smartphone down. Whatever that text says, it can wait. And if it can’t, pull over to the side of the road to answer it and save your fellow motorists from disaster.
- Multi-tasking. Eating while driving. Tending to kids in the back while driving. Putting on makeup while driving. These are just some of the distractions that take your full attention away from the road. Wait to eat, put on your makeup when you get wherever you’re going, and get the kids prepped with all snacks, technology, books, and napkins before you get behind the wheel. Anything you can do to minimize your distractions means a safer ride for you, and your passengers.
- Drunk driving. One drink impairs your ability to drive. Even if you consider yourself someone who can hold their alcohol, any impact on your faculties can lead to an auto accident. There may be different blood alcohol levels, but driving with any alcohol in your systems is drunk driving, whether you like it or not. Even the slightest delay in your reflexes, or lack of concentration on the task at hand can lead to disaster.
- Driving when tired. If you’ve been known to nod off when you’re just a little bit tired, who’s to say that can’t happen when you’re behind the wheel? No amount of coffee, loud music, or open windows can prevent you from falling asleep at the wheel if you are exhausted. Don’t get on the road when you’re that tired and, if you are already driving, pull over and take a rest until you’re alert enough to be a safe driver.
- Driving even though you shouldn’t be. Age is a factor when it comes to driving safety. Teens are inexperienced drivers who often think they can drive leisurely and without consequence while using their phone or carting around a car full of friends. Senior drivers have experience on the road, but their vision, reflexes, and range of motion are often compromised so they cannot drive as defensively and attentively as they once did.
No one is perfect and accidents happen, but so many car accidents could have been prevented with a little bit of common sense, foresight, and responsibility for the massive task at hand. Driving a machine when you are impaired or unprepared in any way is a sure route to catastrophe. If you have been involved in a Michigan car accident because of a distracted driver or otherwise, contact an experienced Michigan car accident lawyer at Thurswell Law for a free consultation. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today.
