The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety confirms yet again that dangerous driving causes accidents. Such behaviors such as speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive driving are responsible for a significant number of accidents each year. These behaviors contribute to a staggering number of fatalities and injuries on the road.
In the United States alone, distracted driving accidents claimed the lives of nine people every day in 2019, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In the same year, approximately 424,000 individuals were injured in crashes involving a distracted driver. These statistics underline the reasons why dangerous driving causes accidents dangerous.
Dangerous Driving Causes Accidents: Types of Dangerous Drivers
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has identified six distinct types of drivers based on their engagement in risky driving behaviors and how dangerous driving causes accidents. These behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, aggressive driving, impaired driving, and more. Understanding these behaviors and the characteristics of the drivers who engage in them is crucial for developing targeted interventions to promote safe mobility.
The six driver profiles identified by the AAA Foundation are:
- Safe Drivers: This category constitutes 41.2% of surveyed drivers and includes individuals who reported minimal engagement in risky driving behaviors[^1^].
- Speeding Drivers: Approximately 22.7% of drivers fall into this category, reporting driving above the speed limit on highways and residential streets[^1^].
- Distracted and Aggressive Drivers: This group, comprising 17.3% of surveyed drivers, engages in both distracted and aggressive driving behaviors, such as texting while driving, red-light running, and frequent lane changes[^1^].
- Distracted Drivers: Around 15.0% of drivers in this category reported engaging in distracted driving behaviors, including reading text messages and texting while driving[^1^].
- Most Dangerous Drivers: Although a small percentage of drivers (2.4%), this group poses a serious risk to themselves and others on the road as they engage in all risky driving behaviors[^1^].
- Impaired Drivers: Representing 1.3% of surveyed drivers, this group is primarily composed of individuals living in non-metropolitan areas who reported driving while impaired[^1^].
Understanding the Risks: The Consequences of Dangerous Driving
Dangerous Driving Causes Accidents: Traffic Fatalities and Injuries
As traffic volumes rebound from the pandemic lows, traffic fatalities remain alarmingly high[^1^]. The NHTSA reports that dangerous driving behaviors play a crucial role in the number of traffic deaths, with speeding, alcohol involvement, and failure to use seat belts being significant factors[^3^].
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents caused by dangerous driving behaviors. While the overall rate of traffic fatalities has slightly decreased post-pandemic, deaths among pedestrians and cyclists continue to rise[^2^]. This highlights the urgent need to address the issue of dangerous driving and its impact on vulnerable road users.
Social Disapproval and Perception of Danger
Despite the known risks, some drivers fail to perceive the dangers associated with their behaviors. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index report reveals that fewer drivers consider speeding as a dangerous activity, and it has the lowest perceived social disapproval among all examined unsafe driving behaviors. This perception gap is concerning as it contributes to the persistence of dangerous driving behaviors on the road.
Dangerous driving behaviors pose a significant threat to road safety, leading to numerous accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Understanding the risks associated with these behaviors and taking proactive measures to address them is crucial for promoting safer roads and protecting lives.
In the unfortunate event of being involved in a dangerous driving accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial to protect your rights and pursue compensation for your losses. Call 407-846-2240 for a free consultation with an Orlando car accident attorney at the Martinez Manglardi personal injury law firm. Convenient locations throughout Central Florida. With offices in Orlando, Kissimmee, Apopka, Palm Bay, Ocala, and Haines City, they provide convenient access to legal representation throughout Central Florida.
