Annually, millions of drivers and passengers across the U.S. are injured and killed in motor vehicle accidents. With June being officially named National Safety Month, this month provides a great opportunity to discuss and raise awareness about some of the top dangers that drivers in the Fairmont area may face while driving on area roads and highways.
Top Four Safety Threats Drivers Face
- Distracted drivers – From cellphones and GPS devices to passengers and pets, drivers often have a number of priorities competing for their attention. Government statistics indicate that during 2014 alone more than 430,000 people were injured and 3,100 killed due to distracted driving, however, the actual numbers are likely much higher.
- Aggressive drivers – Speeding, tailgating and weaving in and out of traffic lanes are all examples of aggressive driving behaviors which frequently cause and contribute to traffic accidents.
- Drunk drivers – An analysis of national traffic accident data from 2009 to 2013 revealed that more people die in highway accidents involving driving on the wrong side of the road in West Virginia than in any other state. This and other dangerous driving behaviors are frequently committed by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Drowsy drivers – Tired drivers are more likely to commit driving errors that can have serious and deadly consequences. What’s more, unlike a Breathalyzer test, there is no way to definitively determine when a driver is too tired to safely operate a motor vehicle. From drifting across the center line to blowing through a stop sign, drowsy drivers are dangerous drivers.
Awareness and Vigilance Can Prevent Traffic Accidents
While it’s impossible to control the choices that other drivers make, being aware of these dangerous driving behaviors may help you avoid being involved in a serious traffic accident. Additionally, understanding the severe consequences of these types of dangerous driving behaviors may prompt you to examine and change some of your own driving behaviors.
