Obvious and Not So Obvious High Risk Driving Behaviours
Road safety is an important topic for us here at HUB Insurance Hunter and we firmly believe that the more we can do to educate drivers about high risk driving behaviours and help them become safer drivers, the safer we can make the roads for everyone.
There is no denying that one of the most dangerous threats to road safety is high risk driving behaviours – some that all drivers are well aware of, and other high risk driving behaviours that you may not think of as high risk. The following outlines high risk behaviours that we all need to avoid when getting behind the wheel:
Obvious High Risk Driving Behaviours
- Impaired Driving: Everyone knows that you must avoid driving while impaired. This includes driving when under the influence of prescription medication and controlled substances.
- Distracted Driving: Even though the risks of distracted driving are obvious to most drivers, there is still a lot of work to be done in this area to get drivers to kick their distracted driving habits to the curb once and for all.
- Speeding: Speeding is very dangerous. When speeding, it takes drivers longer to stop, you have less time to react, and you increase your chances of getting into an accident.
- Aggressive Driving: Aggressive driving behaviours such as following too closely, improper passing, running yellow lights, and taking risks while driving make the roads more dangerous for all drivers.
Not So Obvious High Risk Driving Behaviours
Here are some not so obvious high risk driving behaviours that many drivers overlook:
- Cognitive driving distractions: Things like day dreaming, talking to passengers, and using hands free devices can be high risk behaviours. Avoid them like you would other distracted driving habits.
- Driving while tired: People often underestimate how much of an impact lack of sleep and driving while tired can have on your ability to drive safely. Drowsy driving can reduce your reaction time behind the wheel and cause you to make unsafe decisions when driving.
- Failure to adjust driving to meet road conditions: Regardless of the conditions, all drivers need to adjust their driving habits according to the weather and current road conditions.
Other not so obvious high risk driving behaviours include:
- Reaching for objects in the back seat or on the floor
- Dealing with your children while trying to drive
- Using hands free devices and technology
- Overconfidence as a new or young driver
Are you guilty of any of these high risk driving behaviours? What do you think we need to do to free our roads of these risks?