A traffic accident can happen to anyone. Not only must you be concerned about your own driving safety, but you also need to be more worried about other drivers. Unfortunately, there are some groups of drivers who are more likely to cause traffic accidents than others.

Being proactive means looking out for other drivers who could cause a serious accident. Protecting yourself and the ones you love is crucial while on the road. With this information, you will be able to better understand the risks you take when getting behind the wheel.

car vehicle driving

3 Groups of People Who Are More Likely to Cause Accidents

Although anyone can pose a risk for traffic accidents, there are some groups that are more likely than others. The following offers information on three groups of drivers who are most likely to cause a traffic accident.

  1. Teens –Teen drivers top the list of risky drivers. Not only are teens inexperienced, but they are also often distracted by friends and cell phones. According to the CDC, 2,433 teens were killed in 2016 because of motor vehicle accidents. Around six teenagers die every day due to traffic accidents.
  2. Drunk drivers – It stands to reason drunk drivers are a major risk factor for motor vehicle accidents. The World Health Organization states those who are under the influence are five times more likely to cause a motor vehicle accident than those who are sober. Drunk driving accidents happen more often in the early morning hours before daylight and on holidays.
  3. Cell phone users – How often do you see people speeding down the road while on their cell phone? It is bad enough talking on the cell phone, but some drivers also think it is okay to text and drive. States like California are putting strict laws into effect, in hopes of curbing this behaviour. Those who use cell phones while driving are in grave danger of causing accidents.

How to Practice Safe Driving

Because there are so many risks on the road regarding other drivers, it is imperative you stay focused at all times and do all you can to practice safe driving.

  • Follow the rules of the road, including the speed limit.
  • Always use your turn signals before turning.
  • Maintain a safe following distance between you and the driver in front.
  • Use extra caution at intersections, even if you have the green light.
  • Turn your head to check for vehicles in your blind spot.

Unfortunately, traffic accidents cannot always be avoided, even when you practice safe driving. Thousands of people are injured each year in vehicular accidents and some end up needing to seek legal help.

Conclusion

Practising safe driving means being proactive and looking out for unsafe drivers. Make sure you always wear your seatbelt so you will be protected should a traffic accident occur. Taking extra precautions like leaving early can make a big difference in your safety on the open road. Make sure you are not in one of the groups who is more likely to cause accidents and be sure to avoid them as much as possible. With the proper safety precautions, you can greatly reduce the risks of traffic accidents as you drive.