Whether you are just learning to drive or have had your license for years, you may be engaging in bad driving habits without even knowing. Not only are these habits dangerous, but some might be illegal. To keep yourself safe, avoid engaging in these six bad driving habits.
However, you must remember that not every driver will engage in safe driving habits, so you must always be prepared for an accident. If a car crash in Utah does occur because of another driver’s negligence, contact the injury attorneys at Feller & Wendt.
Ignoring Blind Spots
Checking your mirrors and adjusting them to avoid blind spots is one of the first things you should do when getting in your car. It only takes a few seconds and doing so may prevent a side-impact collision. Some new vehicles even include technology that monitors blind spots and alerts you when a car is in your blind spot. Although, you should not entirely rely on this. Keep the habit of double-checking before changing lanes. You can never be 100% sure that the lane is free if you do not check.
Engaging in Distractions
Not only is using your cell phone behind the wheel dangerous, but it is also illegal in Utah. Drivers cannot use electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, or GPS devices, while driving. You can only use an electronic device in a hands-free manner or to make emergency calls to 911. It is important to remember that distracted driving is not just using a cell phone. It also might be eating, drinking, engaging with passengers, or daydreaming. Even taking your eyes off the road for a second can increase your chances of being in an accident. To keep yourself safe, avoid engaging in distractions behind the wheel.
Not Keeping Your Distance from Other Vehicles
You never know what other drivers are going to do on the road. For example, the driver in front of you might slam on their brakes. The vehicle next to you might try to merge into your lane, even if there is not enough room. Either of these situations could cause a crash, putting you at risk. That is why you must keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. A good rule of thumb is to leave a car’s length of space, but you may want to leave more in hazardous driving conditions, such as rain, fog, or snow.
Speeding
There are hazards all over the road, and lawmakers recognize these dangers by putting speed limits in place. High speeds make a car crash more likely since it takes longer to slow down and stop. When following the speed limit, you might reduce the chances of being in an accident. Furthermore, speed limits are for optimal driving conditions. If it is rainy or foggy, you may want to reduce your speed. Additionally, going over the speed limit might result in a traffic violation, which might cost hundreds of dollars or put multiple points on your license.
Driving on Low Fuel
Driving on low fuel can harm your engine. Yet, people still wait until their fuel light is on to buy gas, thinking the less weight in their vehicle, the further they can travel. Unfortunately, doing this runs the risk of running out of fuel entirely, which could be incredibly hazardous on a busy road or highway. Avoid this habit by filling up your car’s fuel tank whenever it drops below a quarter tank.
Not Wearing a Seatbelt
Not wearing a seatbelt is one of the worst driving habits. It’s crucial to wear your seatbelt at all times because it may be fatal to sustain a high-speed impact without one. Additionally, a seatbelt may prevent severe injuries, but too many people do not wear one. In fact, of the 22,215 vehicle passengers who died in auto accidents, 47% of them were not wearing a seatbelt in 2019. Additionally, Utah law requires every passenger in a vehicle to wear a seatbelt at all times.
Contact the Car Accident Attorneys at Feller & Wendt
Being in a car accident can be a confusing and overwhelming experience, especially if another driver caused the accident. However, you must prove that the other driver’s negligence caused the accident and your injuries to receive compensation. Doing this on your own might be complex, but the car accident attorneys at Feller & Wendt can help.
Our team of skilled attorneys has the experience necessary to handle car accident claims and will do everything possible to hold the negligent parties accountable for their actions. To schedule a free consultation, call (801) 499-5060 or complete our contact form.
