Most people probably want to be safer drivers. After all, no one wants to be involved in a car accident. So, how can drivers fix their risky behaviors behind the wheel? Here are eight easy strategies to correct common bad driving habits.
What are common bad driving habits?
Each year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducts a nationwide driver survey to gather information about dangerous driving habits. The foundation recently released the results of its 2022 survey.
Officially called the "Traffic Safety Culture Index," this study is based on responses from 2,500 drivers. The anonymous study measures drivers' attitudes about other drivers and asks drivers if they have personally engaged in bad driving habits.
The results were alarming:
- Nearly 1 out of 4 drivers (24.8 percent) admitted to not stopping for a red light at least once in the last 30 days.
- 7 percent of drivers confessed to driving at least 15 mph over the speed limit on a highway or 10 mph over the speed limit on a residential street within the past month.
- 9 percent of drivers were so tired while driving they could barely keep their eyes open.
- 15 percent of people surveyed had texted while driving or engaged in other distracted driving behavior within the past 30 days.
- 3 percent had driven while intoxicated within the last month.
How safe are drivers in Nebraska?
Unfortunately, Nebraska is no different than the rest of the country regarding risky driving habits. Many drivers in Nebraska cause serious or fatal car crashes due to many of the same dangerous driving habits mentioned in the nationwide survey. Based on the most recent car accident data collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the most common causes of car accident fatalities include:
- Drunk driving – In the past decade, Nebraska drivers have caused 60 to 73 car accident fatalities each year due to driving under the influence of alcohol.
- Speeding – During the same period, 29 to 49 people died each year in Nebraska in car accidents involving speeding drivers.
- Unrestrained passengers – Not wearing a seatbelt claimed the lives of 76 to 105 people each year during the past decade in Nebraska.
8 ways drivers can break bad driving habits
Here are eight easy safe driving tips designed to prevent you from being involved in a car crash:
- Turn off your cellphone while driving or set it to "do not disturb" mode.
- Come to a complete stop at all stop signs and red lights.
- Leave a few minutes earlier if you often run late and end up speeding.
- Have a plan for getting home if you intend to drink alcohol when you go out.
- Take a break if driving for more than two hours, especially at night.
- Don't eat while driving. It can be just as distracting as texting.
- Be alert and prepared for other drivers to do the unexpected while driving.
- Stay calm while driving. Don't let another driver's aggressive behavior change the way you drive.
Injured in a crash? Get an Omaha car accident lawyer on your side
If you are involved in a car crash caused by another driver in Nebraska, you might think you don't need a lawyer to help you pursue a car accident injury claim. Unfortunately, many straightforward accidents often turn into challenging legal cases because the insurance company tries to pay less than the victim deserves.
Our Omaha car accident attorneys at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. understand what's at stake. That's why we want to help you pursue the maximum compensation you're entitled to under Nebraska law. Our legal team has years of experience handling complex cases throughout the state. Our attorneys used to work for insurance companies, so we know their tactics and how to counter them.
Get a Nebraska law firm that works for you. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with an Omaha car accident lawyer focused on winning your case. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay us if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you.