Drivers in Tennessee and across the entire country are aware of the fact that drunk driving is dangerous and can end lives. But what about the other common road hazards? Here’s a look at some of the top causes for crashes that don’t involve alcohol.
Distracted driving comes in at the top of the list. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has named distracted driving as one of the biggest current threats to drivers. The numbers continue to worsen by the year, showing that it’s a persistent problem. Hazards can come in the form of visual, cognitive, or manual distraction. In short, distracted driving can involve taking one’s eyes off the road, letting thoughts drift, or physically removing hands from the steering wheel.
Driving while fatigued is another common issue, and the National Sleep Foundation claims it can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. This is because a drowsy person has similar reaction times and cognitive awareness as someone who has had too much to drink. They are more likely to get distracted, as well. In some cases, it’s even possible for extremely fatigued drivers to fall asleep at the wheel, easily leading to crashes.
Finally, speeding is a big problem. Drivers cite many different reasons for going over the speed limit. They may be late for an appointment, suffering from an emergency, or maybe they just want to beat traffic. In any case, higher speeds equal a higher chance of getting into an accident.
These are just a few of the many different catalysts for accidents on the road. They are all also preventable, just like drunk driving, which means behavioral awareness can help cut down on these accident causes.