Reckless driving is one of the biggest factors that are commonly cited in auto accident reports. When people drive recklessly, they not only increase the risk that an accident will occur, they also make it more likely that someone will be seriously injured or killed if there is an accident. Here are seven reckless driving behaviors that can cause auto accidents:

  1. Speeding
    • Speeding is, by far, one of the most common reckless driving behaviors, which is nevertheless overlooked because of how common it is. As a general rule, the faster someone is going at the time of an accident, the more likely that accident will result in a serious injury or death.
  2. Rolling through stop signs
    • Many reckless drivers will not stop fully when coming to a stop sign, but instead simply slow down and roll through the sign. This can occasionally cause them to not see a pedestrian or other vehicle traveling through an intersection, causing a collision in the process.
  3. Changing lanes without signaling
    • Another surprisingly common reckless driving behavior is when people change lanes or turn without signaling. This kind of sudden turn or lane change can catch other drivers by surprise, increasing the chance they do not see you until it is too late to avoid a collision.
  4. Failing to give the right of way
    • It can be annoying for some drivers to wait for pedestrians or other vehicles who have the right of way at an intersection. However, when drivers fail to yield the right of way, they can easily hit someone else going through the intersection, causing an accident in the process.
  5. Tailgating
    • Tailgating is the behavior where a driver comes far too close to the vehicle in front of them, sometimes referred to as “riding the bumper.” Due to this lack of space, any sudden stop or braking can easily result in an otherwise avoidable accident.
  6. Texting and driving
    • Texting and driving is a common type of distracted driving, where people will perform other actions while they are supposed to be focused on driving. As a result of these distractions, they are much less likely to recognize when they are about to get into an accident until it is too late to avoid it.
  7. Driving under the influence
    • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, also known as DUI, is one of the most dangerous activities someone can engage in on the road. Drunk and intoxicated drivers have worse reaction time, worse judgment, and an overall greater chance of causing potentially fatal auto accidents.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.