Are you one of those daredevils who love to speed on the road? Or do you like to multitask while driving, such as texting or eating? If you are guilty of either of these behaviors, you are not alone, but you are also not safe. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distractions and speeding remain the leading causes of road accidents. That being said, here are the top five mistakes to avoid on the road:

Distracted driving

Distracted driving is a serious and potentially life-threatening issue. Texting, talking, using social media, or browsing the internet while driving not only takes your eyes off the road but also your mind off the task at hand. As per statistics, distracted driving accounts for over 3,000 deaths each year. The solution? Simple- just put the phone away while driving. And if you are a passenger, ensure you don't distract the driver with any unwanted chatter.

Speeding

Everyone has been guilty of speeding at some point in their life, but speeding remains a significant issue that causes road accidents. Speed kills, and that is not us saying it; this is a fact. According to the NHTSA, speeding caused about 10,111 fatalities in 2016 alone. Hence, follow the speed limit and remember, it's better to arrive a few minutes late than never to arrive at all.

Fatigued driving

Falling asleep behind the wheels because of fatigue is another primary cause of road accidents. When you are tired, your reaction time slows down, and you are less alert, which means you are more prone to accidents. To avoid such situations, try to get enough rest before driving and if you feel sleepy on the road, pull over to a safe spot and take a short nap.

Tailgating

We have all encountered the drivers who stick to our rear view mirror and refuse to give us space on the road –they are known as tailgaters. Tailgating is irritating and dangerous, as it does not leave enough space for you to brake in case of an emergency. Maintain a safe distance from other drivers on the road, and remember the two-second rule; ensure that you stay two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you.

Aggressive driving

Aggressive driving is all about impatiently switching lanes, reckless maneuvering, or offensive gestures towards other drivers on the road. This practice is dangerous and disruptive to traffic flow, leading to poor judgment, excessive speed, and loss of control of the vehicle. Always keep calm and avoid road rage. If other drivers are being aggressive towards you, try to ignore them and drive safely to your destination.

The Key Takeaway

The key takeaway from this article is that avoiding these top five road mistakes is not just a recommendation but is critical to safety and preventing accidents on the road. To summarize, avoid distracted and aggressive driving, do not speed, always keep a safe distance from other drivers, and never drive when you're feeling fatigued. Remember, safety is key, and avoiding these crucial mistakes goes a long way to ensure you and other drivers on the road are safe.

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