4 Common Driving Mistakes To Avoid

While certain driving mistakes, such as driving while under the influence, are obvious and avoided by responsible drivers, we all are guilty of other common driving mistakes. While something as simple as text-messaging behind the wheel may seem harmless, it can prove deadly. Here is a brief summary of some of the most common driving mistakes.

Swerving: We have all been guilty of this maneuver. Whether we were changing the radio station, digging in the purse for the cell phone, or using both hands to eat our McDonald's double-cheeseburger, we have all unintentionally swerved out of the lane. Swerving is an incredible dangerous mistake for drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 15,574 deaths in 2007 due to drivers who were swerving out of their lanes.

Overcorrecting: Many of us fall victim to this mistake. We accidentally drift too far out of our lane or briefly lose control in wet weather conditions and suddenly jerk the wheel in the opposite direction. Overcorrecting is extremely dangerous, as 4% of all traffic fatalities each year are due to this maneuver. This reaction can easily lead to a rollover, especially in top-heavy vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. Make sure to smoothly correct your vehicle rather than suddenly jerking the wheel.

Running Red Lights: Two-thirds of all traffic accidents occur in the city. Many of these accidents occur from drivers attempting to beat a yellow light or fragrantly running a red light or stop sign. These types of accidents can lead to deadly results. Drivers running red lights risk running head-on into vehicles making left-hand turns or broad-siding vehicles with the right-of-way. Even if you are in a hurry or late for your destination, never try to beat the light. In what could easily be a matter of life or death, it is always worth driving patiently and calmly.

Inattentive Driving: Most drivers multi-task while behind the wheel. In today's world, many drivers talk on the cell phone or text-message during their commutes. At any given moment, about 1 million Americans are talking on their cell phones while driving. This poses inherent risks, as drivers talking on a cell phone are four times more likely to be involved in a traffic accident. Text messaging while behind the wheel has become so dangerous that drivers who do it have gained the nick name "intexticated drivers." Driving and texting reduces your reaction time by over 30%, double the reduced reaction time of drunk drivers.