If you’re an experienced Pennsylvania driver, it can be easy to forget when you’re behind the wheel of a car that you are actually operating a deadly machine. However, there are several common but dangerous behaviors that many motorists engage in.
Distractions
You are twice as likely to have an accident while texting and driving than you are if you simply keep your eyes on the road, but texting is not the only way that cell phones can be distracting. Even hands-free phone use can distract you from what should be your primary task, which of course is paying attention to the road. Distractions can also be caused by such common activities as adjusting your GPS or music. You should do all of these tasks before you set out, and if you have to make a call or check a text once you are on the road, you should pull over first.
Other dangers
While there is widespread understanding of the dangers of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, drivers still indulge in this, leading to car accidents. A less well-known danger is driving while drowsy. People get behind the wheel after too little sleep or try to drive too many hours in a row without realizing that being sleepy can leave them as impaired as they might be after consuming alcohol. Yet another danger is letting your emotions get the better of you, becoming overly aggressive because you are angry and causing accidents.
Although safety technology in vehicles is improving, there are still far too many motor vehicle accidents each year that lead to serious injuries and fatalities. Drivers who are responsible for injuring other people may be required to pay compensation to cover the cost of those injuries and of the vehicle damage as well as related costs, such as lost wages.