Car accidents are often the result of negligence.
Car accidents in Texas often happen for similar reasons, many of which can be attributed to long-standing bad habits that drivers have developed over time. Recognizing the need for change, AAA is committed to addressing these common causes and encouraging drivers to break these habits in the coming year.
"Bad driving habits may be universal, but they are not irreversible," AAA says. "Just a few adjustments can change your behavior."
What are the most common dangerous driving habits?
Every year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducts a study focusing on some of the worst driving habits in the nation. The study measures drivers' attitudes towards dangerous driving and whether they engage in bad driving habits.
Recently, AAA released the results of its "2022 Traffic Safety Culture Index." Based on anonymous responses from 2,500 drivers in 2022, some of the bad driving habits motorists admitted to having engaged in within the last 30 days include:
- Talking, texting, or emailing while driving "a few times" within the last month – 31.5 percent.
- Failing to stop for a red light – 24.8 percent.
- Driving at least 15 mph over the speed limit on an interstate or 10 mph over the speed limit on a city street – 22.7 percent.
- Driving while so tired they can barely keep their eyes open – 17.9 percent.
- Driving while not wearing a seatbelt – 14.5 percent.
- Driving while drunk and most likely over the legal alcohol limit – 6.9 percent.
Common bad driving habits in Texas
Unfortunately, Texas drivers have many of the same bad habits that cause collisions nationwide. In fact, in 2021, drivers in Texas set a decade-high record in three dangerous driving categories, according to the most recent car accident fatality records compiled by the Texas Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These three categories are:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol – 1,906 drunk driving deaths in 2021 in Texas.
- Speeding – 1,568 speed-related fatalities.
- Not wearing a seatbelt – 1,172 deaths.
Steps drivers can take to break bad habits
While the statistics are alarming, it's important to remember that drivers have a choice and can reverse their bad driving habits. The solutions to such problems cover a wide range, including:
- Texting and driving: Turn off your cellphone while driving or set your phone to "do not disturb" mode.
- Failure to obey traffic signals: Pay attention to the road and come to a complete stop at all stop signs and red lights.
- Speeding: Leave a few minutes earlier or set your cruise control to a lower speed limit while driving on highways.
- Drunk driving: Have a plan to get home safely, whether it's a designated driver, a rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft, or public transportation.
- Fatigued driving: Take a break, especially if you're driving long distances. That is when you should stop every two hours so you don't fall asleep at the wheel.
- Aggressive driving: Be patient when behind the wheel, and don't engage with aggressive drivers. Stay calm, and don't get involved with them. Road rage incidents are a common cause of crashes.
Take control after your car accident. Contact Coby Wooten
Straightforward car accidents in Texas often turn into complicated legal cases. Don't be caught off guard. Be prepared. Get the legal team that Forth Worth trusts – Coby L. Wooten, Attorney At Law. Our law firm can work with you to ensure your Texas car accident injury claim gets the attention it deserves so you can obtain the maximum compensation you deserve.
This is your opportunity for justice. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a Fort Worth car accident attorney focused on winning. We handle injury claims and lawsuits in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and throughout Texas.