5 Deadly Driving Mistakes Even Safe Drivers Make

Even if you aren't getting into street races or tailgating other drivers aggressively, you're still at risk for car accidents. There are a lot of small mistakes that otherwise safe drivers make, and in the wrong situation, these mistakes can be dangerous. These five seemingly simple mistakes can often be deadly.

Distracted Driving

The number one cause of car accidents is distracted driving. In 41% of accidents, the incident occurred because the driver failed to pay close attention to their surroundings. Distracted driving can be particularly dangerous in busy intersections where pedestrians and other hazards may be present.

Speeding

Many drivers assume speeding is a harmless activity. Almost everyone does it, so people think it's safe. However, almost one-third of all traffic fatalities are due to speeding. Speeding is dangerous both because it increases the risk of an accident and because it worsens the impact of an accident. The same accident that might just damage a car at low speeds can be deadly at high speeds.

Poor Weather

Some otherwise safe drivers make the mistake of failing to adjust their driving habits when the weather changes. This can lead to big problems on the road. About 9% of all car crash fatalities occur during poor weather.

Drowsy Driving

Outside of issues with driver performance, drowsiness is the top cause of accidents. Even if a driver is following other road safety rules, being drowsy impairs their reaction times. Research shows that drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. It causes roughly 800 deaths per year, and it's especially dangerous when a driver falls asleep at the wheel.

Overreacting to Road Dangers

Is it possible to be too safe a driver? It turns out you can. About 4% of all fatal accidents are due to a driver overreacting. Things like suddenly swerving away from a pet running across the road or steering too sharply to correct for skidding can end up putting a driver in more danger.