Even with years of driving experience, no person is immune to the possibility of being involved in a car accident. Most times, these unfortunate incidents lead to one or more parties incurring significant crash injuries, property damage and/or result in death.
To ensure your safety on the road, you must learn about the common forms of reckless driving behaviors that often cause traffic collisions in Michigan. Here are three of them:
Texting while driving
It is illegal for drivers in Michigan to drive while manually using a mobile electronic device. Even if a cell phone or a tablet is mounted on the driver’s dashboard, they must not use their hand to operate their device beyond a single touch.
Last 2023, there was a recorded total of 2,266 crashes in Michigan that happened because a driver was using a handheld device. Of this total, 1,055 rear-end crashes happened because a driver was using their cell phone while driving on the road.
Speeding
Speeding is one common cause of traffic collision that brings in severe property damage and crash deaths. Even if the road may seem empty, drivers should still practice caution and drive within the given speed limits.
In Michigan, statutory speed limits are set by law and applied statewide. These include a 25mph limit for residential areas and a 70mph limit for freeways without a specific speed limit. Driving over these limits can significantly increase a person’s chance of being involved in a car accident.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
Also referred to in Michigan as Operating While Impaired (OWI), this happens when the driver is under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. When a person intentionally drives with impaired coordination, they make it a risky situation for them and every other driver in their path.
Prioritize your safety on the road
By identifying the common forms of unsafe driving habits and obeying the traffic laws in place, you can take preventive measures that can protect yourself and everybody else’s safety while out on the road.