Although driving is an essential part of most people’s day-to-day routines, traffic collisions still happen regularly. Sometimes, drivers unknowingly engage in “bad driving habits” that increase the risks of accidents not just for them but for everybody else on the road.
As traffic congestion continues to arise in Chicago, it is important to learn about the common risky driving behaviors that cause accidents in the city.
Running red lights & stop signs
Disregarding one of the most basic traffic laws that every driver should know about is an irresponsible thing to do. When a driver runs a red light or ignores a stop sign at an intersection, they increase their chances of being involved in side-impact collisions.
This reckless driving behavior can cause grave consequences not just for them and the other drivers on the road, but to pedestrians in the vicinity as well.
Distracted driving
Distracted driving can occur from many sources, including texting, eating and scrolling through social media while driving. When a driver’s focus deviates from the road due to these forms of handheld distractions, they increase their chances of being involved in a car accident.
Speeding
According to the City of Chicago, over ⅔ of car crash deaths recorded in the area involved drivers traveling at high speeds. When a driver increases their speed, they also decrease their ability to hit on their breaks at their required stopping distance.
Excessive speeding often results in high impact crashes known as “pileups” or multiple vehicle collisions. These types of accidents can cause catastrophic property damage and severe crash injuries for the drivers and their passengers.
Always drive with caution
When drivers respect and obey traffic laws, they can drive with better caution and spot potential risks from the other drivers nearby. By being able to recognize these behaviors early, they can take preventive steps that can ensure their safety on the road.
