Driving dangerously is irresponsible, yet many people do it despite the risks to themselves and the threat it poses to others’ safety. To highlight the issues this creates, here are a number of harrowing statistics on dangerous driving that should drive home the need to conduct yourself with care and respect when behind the wheel. Keep these in mind before you plan your road trip this summer.

Thousands Die Due to Drunk Drivers Each Year

Driving while drunk or under the influence of illegal substances is a persistent problem, and in the US alone, over 10,000 people are killed as a result of this annually.

Perhaps not surprisingly, it is also a seasonal trend, with holiday drunk driving statistics showing that one-off occasions like New Year’s Eve are typically associated with sudden spikes in DUIs and associated deaths.

Two-Thirds of People Will Be Involved in an Accident in Their Lifetime

Official figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that most people will be involved in a road incident with injuries at some point in their lives.

This is a staggering stat, yet one that points to the prevalence of dangerous driving, and also demonstrates how important it is to be safe and cautious when out on the roads.

Ignoring Speed Limits is the Number One Motorist Killer

In most traffic accidents, several factors are involved, but the most commonly cited in relation to fatalities is speed.

Driving too fast is, therefore, a very dangerous thing to do, even if you feel like you are experienced enough to do so.

Ignoring speed limits is a major driving danger. Photo by Jevanto Productions via Adobe Stock

In reality, the faster your vehicle is moving, the less time you will have to react to hazards. Likewise, your stopping distance is massively increased when you put your foot down, so it will take longer for your car to slow to a stop when you brake, further increasing the likelihood of a collision.

It is also important to note that driving within the speed limit is only half the story; you also need to consider the conditions you are facing. For example, driving the speed limit on a freeway is significantly more dangerous in heavy rain, fog, or icy conditions, so reducing your speed to account for these elements is equally vital, irrespective of the legal maximum for a given stretch of road.

Pedestrian Safety is Paramount

Following on from the discussion of excessive speed in a freeway context, it is also important to consider everything that comes into play when you are driving in areas shared with pedestrians.

Unfortunately, there has been a 30% rise in pedestrian fatalities in the past decade, and you can do your bit to reduce the death rate on the roads by going slower when people on foot might be crossing in front of you.

Be careful in urban areas where pedestrians are present. Photo by Pexels from Pixabay

Nine out of 10 people hit by a car traveling at 20 mph will survive the impact, but this drops to a 50/50 chance when you go above 35 mph. So while it is preferable to avoid such incidents altogether, driving more slowly in neighborhoods and busy built-up districts will help avert disasters more often.

Rural Roads are Most Dangerous

While you might assume that urban areas have the most road accidents, city streets and busy freeways account for just half of collisions and other incidents annually, with the rest occurring in rural regions.

Be careful on rural roads. Image by MaxWdhs from Pixabay

Ultimately, it is important to acknowledge the dangers of driving and do your part to bring down statistics like these when planning a road trip, rather than contributing to them. In case you’re ever involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault, it’s also a good idea to have a legal professional in your contacts (The Wilhite Law Firm – Personal Injury Attorneys – is a great bet). Stay safe.