There are millions of motor vehicle accidents every single year across the US, with Tennessee alone experiencing more than 400 accidents per day. Sadly, most of these accidents would be avoided if not for the dangerous driving behavior of reckless or negligent motorists. Here are seven dangerous driving habits that can potentially lead to auto accidents:


  • Excessive speeding
      • While many people engage in speeding, that does not make it any less dangerous. It is the single most common dangerous driving behavior, and is cited as a factor in about a third of all fatal auto accidents.
  • Tailgating
      • Another dangerous driving behavior to avoid is tailgating, also known as riding the bumper. This is when a driver is too close to the car in front of them, giving them insufficient room to brake in the event that they need to suddenly slow or stop.
  • Brake checking
      • “Brake checking” is another potentially dangerous maneuver, which involves suddenly slamming on the brakes without apparent purpose. This is often done as a sort of aggressive driving, intending to scare or threaten the vehicle behind them, but all too often it can simply result in an accident.
  • Cutting off other drivers
      • It is also dangerous for a driver to cut off other drivers, which is when they suddenly change lanes without giving the vehicles around them enough room to maneuver. In particular, the vehicle around them may not be able to brake in time, potentially leading to an accident.
  • Failing to signal
      • Every driver is supposed to signal when they want to turn or change lanes, and most do so without issue. When people fail to signal, it can cause other drivers to be caught unaware, increasing the risk of an accident.
  • Ignoring traffic signs and signals
      • People are not only expected to obey traffic signs and signals, they expect everyone else to do so as well. The failure to follow traffic signs can, for example, lead to multiple people attempting to cross an intersection at the same time, leading to avoidable accidents.
  • Failing to yield the right of way
    • Motorists are expected to yield the right of way to other vehicles and pedestrians at intersections, ensuring everyone passes through in an orderly fashion. Ignoring the right of way is a dangerous driving practice that can almost guarantee an accident, if someone else attempts to cross the intersection at the same time.

 

If you or someone you love has 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.