Driving is inherently risky. If it seems safe, that’s likely because most of us drive every day, whether we’re heading to work, the grocery store, or a friend’s house. In fact, fear of flying is a more common phobia than fear of driving, probably because driving at least gives us the sense that we’re in control. Polls show Americans tend to underestimate the dangers that come with getting on the road. Things like drunk driving and road rage are seen as less of a threat even though traffic fatalities are on the rise. In order to minimize the risks we take on the road, we first have to acknowledge what some of those risks are.
Distracted driving
Driving while thinking about other things has always been an issue. Most of us tend to zone out or daydream a little bit, especially if we’re on a long and boring stretch of highway. Not paying attention, though, can get you or someone else hurt or even killed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving was responsible for almost 3,500 deaths in the year 2015. Things like eating a hot dog or fiddling with the radio can distract you, but the kind of distracted driving that gets the most attention nowadays is texting while driving. Think for a second what reading or sending a text requires. We have to look down at our phone, absorb information, think of a reply, and then write it out. It may not seem like a long time, but texting takes our eyes off the road for five seconds. The faster we’re driving, the more distance we’re covering without paying attention.
More states are passing laws that banning texting while driving and associated activities that fall under an umbrella of E-DUI, or Driving Under the Influence of Electronics. If you think it’s fine to look at your phone when the car is stopped at a red light, then think again, because that can still get you a citation. Keep your phone in your trunk if you worry the temptation will be too strong. If you absolutely must text while inside a car, ride with a friend or hire an Atlanta car service to ferry you around town. A car service isn’t cheap, but it’s a cheaper than hiring a criminal defense attorney to defend you on charges of reckless driving. For a detailed Distracted Driving Guide click here.
Road rage
The car can be a good place to blow off steam after a long day at the office. We can say things in the comfort of our car that we would never say around other people. If a car cuts us off, we can curse under our breath. If we roll down our window and insult another driver’s mother, then we’ve crossed the line from cathartic ranting to road rage.
Road rage can include cursing at another car, tailgating someone, or even getting out of the car and starting a fight. It’s an unhealthy responses to typical problems like traffic or construction. It may feel good in the moment, but the consequences are long-lasting. Getting out of the car and yelling at the other driver isn’t going to fix anything. It’s frustrating to lose a car, but use it as an opportunity to upgrade and do some new Ford vehicle research. After the collision, get the driver’s insurance information and call the police. If you want to yell, wait until you get home and scream into your pillow. Once some time has passed, you’ll be glad you held back.
