Driving a car can be the most exciting yet challenging job. Every year, many people get injured or die due to car accidents.

 

Even the best drivers make mistakes if they are not careful. Sometimes, people engage in a number of activities while driving, which leads to a severe car crash.

 

While you’re the driver, you must pay attention to what you’re doing behind the wheel. It’s essential to avoid accidents and other unwanted hassles.

Things to Avoid While Driving

 

If you observe carefully, you will find that there are some common behaviors of the drivers that lead to road accidents. Here, we listed some common things that you must not do while you’re in the driver’s seat.

Don’t Use Your Smartphone

 

Texting while driving is one of the key reasons for accidents that will not only cause injury but also lead you to unnecessary harassment. For example, if you have a rear end accident, you will have to spend a good amount of time with a lawyer for the legal issues while recovering from the damage.

 

Although it’s known to everyone, most people ignore this fact when they drive. You must focus on the road for the sake of safety for you and the other people in the car.

 

It is highly suggested that you switch off the mobile phone so that the notifications can’t distract you. If it’s really important to check the mobile, just park your car at the side of the road and check it.

Don’t Drive When You are Tired

 

Driving a car when you’re tired is extremely dangerous. When you’re tired you have a slower response time and a possibility to fall asleep at the wheel, leading to a serious accident.

 

Don’t force yourself to drive as your body will get the rest when it needs it, one way or another. That’s why it’s better to stop and take some rest before you resume driving.

Don’t Drink Before Driving

 

We all know the effects of drunk driving, so it’s highly suggested that you don’t do it.

 

Alcohol affects your power of judgment and motor skills, meaning that you simply can’t think straight when you’re drunk. In that case, ask your friend to drive you home or take help from Uber, Lyft, or any other ride-sharing services.

Don’t Change Your Dress While Driving

 

You might remember the scene where Mr. Bean was changing his clothes inside the car. While it seems funny, it’s actually quite risky.

 

No matter how late you are for work, the kids’ school, or for your spouse’s doctor’s appointment, never consider changing clothes and shoes while you’re driving. It will divert your attention from the road, and you may face a serious accident.

Don’t Lean Over to Get Something

 

Sometimes, you drop something such as CDs or money onto the floorboards. You may also need something from your bag that you keep on the backseat.


 

One of the most common mistakes most people make while driving is reaching out so far to get those things. You won’t be able to concentrate on the road if you try to take something from the backseat by yourself. It’s extremely risky, and there’s a high chance you will end up in a car crash.

Don’t Forget to Wear Your Seatbelt

 

Wearing a seatbelt is the easiest and most ignored thing most drivers do. Between 2004 and 2008, seat belts saved more than 75,000 people’s lives from a car accident, according to a report from NHTSA.

 

While airbags can save your life in a massive car crash, they are designed to work in conjunction with the seatbelt. It means you must wear it to stay protected during a car crash or rollover.

Don’t Drive Barefoot

 

Some people choose to drive barefoot as they find the shoes they are wearing a bit uncomfortable. While wearing a pair of badly fitted shoes can make you uncomfortable, driving without it can even lead to a serious accident.

 

It’s because it requires a lot of pressure on the pedals, particularly on the brake, when you’re driving barefoot. You are highly likely to hit the car or the person crossing the road if you can’t apply the proper pressure. So, always wear comfortable shoes while driving.

Don’t Speed Up Over The Limit

 

Driving too fast is responsible for around 22% of fatal accidents in the United States. Particularly, if you’re driving at a high speed in front of a school or a children’s park, you may end up hitting a kid.

 

No matter how much of a rush you’re in, do not exceed the speed limit to ensure the safety of you and the people walking on the road.

Don’t Involve in Road Rage

 

No matter how good your driving skill is, you might make yourself vulnerable to accidents if you involve in road rage or fighting with other drivers on the road.

 

In fact, a study suggests that you might get a heart attack or stroke hours later after an episode of road rage. Having an angry outburst can have an adverse effect on both your brain and mental health. Always avoid such fights on the road, especially with your family members in the car.

Do Not Eat

 

You might manage to eat some simple foods like chips while driving, but what about eating tacos or ice cream that are supposed to make your surroundings messy if you’re not careful?

 

Eating such foods requires a lot of attention. Also, if you eat something greasy, you will find it difficult to grip the steering wheel. So, if you really need to eat something, stop the car and finish your food first before driving.

Final Thoughts

 

Car accidents have become one of the leading causes of death across the globe. Even if some people manage to live, they end up being handicapped for the rest of their lives.

 

Speeding up, talking and texting while driving, or doing something that makes you distracted are some of the habits you must stop to avoid a road accident.

 

The safety of you and the other persons in the car relies on your behavior and smartness. You can either make them reach home safely or push them to death based on how you’re driving.

 

Image Source: BigStock.com (licensed)

 

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