You may feel confident behind the wheel, but even the best drivers can fall into dangerous habits without realizing it. Every year, risky driving habits cause thousands of road accidents that endanger not only the driver but also passengers and pedestrians. These 15 dangerous driving habits might be a part of your daily routine. 

Distracted Driving 

Distracted driving continues to be a top cause of road crashes and accidents and can significantly disturb public safety. This behavior includes texting, phone usage, and adjusting controls while behind the wheel. In addition, the NHTSA says that incidents related to distracted driving resulted in 3,308 fatalities in 2022 alone. 

Speeding

Another common risky behavior that increases the likelihood of accidents is speeding. The NHTSA reports that speeding contributed to approximately 29% of all fatal crashes in 2022. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to anticipate and respond to potential dangers, leading to severe outcomes.

Tailgating

Many drivers exhibit a dangerous habit of tailgating. Driving closely behind another vehicle reduces the driver’s reaction time during sudden stops or emergencies. When drivers maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles, they allow themselves ample time to react to the actions of the car ahead. 

Running Red Lights

Intersections are already high-risk areas for accidents, and running a red light dramatically increases the likelihood of T-bone crashes, which are particularly destructive. The IISH reported in June 2024 that over 1,100 people lost their lives in crashes that involved running a red light in 2022 alone. 

Improper Lane Changes

Improper lane changes like failing to signal, can lead to accidents when other drivers don’t anticipate the maneuver. The IIHS reports that lane departure warnings lower the rates of injury crashes involving single-vehicle and head-on collisions by 21 percent. To ensure safety, it is essential to signal intentions clearly before making lane changes.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving, which includes road rage and excessive honking, is yet another behavior that creates hazardous situations on the road. Drivers who engage in this type of driving are more likely to react violently to perceived slights from other road users, leading to dangerous confrontations. 

Driving with Bad Tires

Driving on worn tires increases the chances of skidding, hydroplaning, or blowouts, which can lead to severe accidents. Studies show that worn tires contribute to longer stopping distances and less traction on slippery roads, and this heightens the risk of losing control of the vehicle. Make it a habit to replace worn tires promptly. 

Driving Without Seatbelts

A major risk that can lead to severe injury during an accident is not wearing seatbelts. Seat Belts are made to hold passengers in place and reduce the risk of injury in a crash. As highlighted by the NHTSA, one of the safest decisions a driver or passenger can make is to buckle up.

Overloading the Vehicle

By overloading a vehicle, it can impact safety to a large extent. Carrying too many passengers or excessive cargo may alter a vehicle’s center of gravity and make it more prone to tipping or losing control. Drivers should adhere to manufacturer guidelines regarding passenger and cargo limits to ensure vehicle stability.

Inappropriate Use of High Beams

Misusing high beams may cause dangerous glare, impairing the vision of oncoming drivers, especially in low-light conditions. Drivers should switch off high beams when approaching oncoming vehicles to avoid blinding others and maintain road safety. Proper use of high beams reduces potential collisions and improves driving conditions for all. 

Street Racing

Reckless behavior, such as street racing, poses risks to participants and bystanders. Competitive driving on public roads can lead to high-speed collisions and fatalities. The NCSL highlights that pedestrians and drivers risk being struck by a vehicle if they unexpectedly find themselves in a street exhibition. 

Driving Without a Valid License

Another risky behavior that undermines road safety regulations is the operation of a car without a license from the government. Driving without a license shows a disregard for traffic laws and regulations. Additionally, driving with an expired license can lead to run-ins with the law and up to $1200 fines, as stated by NelsonGuest. 

Drowsy Driving 

Fatigue can also greatly impair driving abilities. Drowsy driving is a dangerous habit that often goes unnoticed by many drivers and can lead to poor judgment, reaction time, and concentration. The NHTSA reports that incidents of drowsy driving led to an estimated 693 fatalities in 2022. 

Accelerating on a Yellow Light 

Accelerating on a yellow light is a dangerous driving habit that can lead to accidents. While many drivers feel a sense of urgency to clear the intersection, this can result in collisions, particularly if the light turns red unexpectedly. This behavior demonstrates a disregard for traffic signals and can compromise safety for other road users. 

Improper Parking

A common habit that disrupts traffic flow and creates safety hazards is wrong parking. Many drivers park in restricted areas to save time or for convenience, often ignoring signs indicating no parking zones. Adhering to parking regulations helps maintain order on the roads and ensures everyone’s safety.