When you think of dangerous driving, you probably think of things like getting on your cell phone and talking. There are lots of other kinds though, and these three are some of the most dangerous.
Drowsy Driving and the Law
Drowsy driving is against the law, but many people do it anyway. The National Highway and Traffic Administration has estimated that around 1,550 people are killed every year because of this type of dangerous driving.
What is drowsy driving, though? Well, if you've ever been driving for hours on end without a break and were feeling distracted and bored, you may have been driving drowsy. The same is true if you didn't get enough sleep and are tired behind the wheel. If you nod off even for a second, you're in danger and putting others in danger, too.
Distracted Driving and the Law
Distracted driving is another concern on the roads. If you've been in a car with distracting passengers, eaten while driving, taken a call or used your GPS system, you may have been driving while distracted. Not all distractions are preventable; things like children crying, for instance, will sometimes distract a parent driving. The key to safety is pulling over and making sure to eliminate the distraction, or at least make it less distracting, before you continue to drive. With a child, that might mean giving them a toy, changing a diaper, or playing different music. For distracting passengers, telling them to be quiet for a while can do the trick. If you feel your driving is being affected by distractions, do the right thing and pull over.
Drunk Driving and the Law
Drunk driving is probably the most recognized dangerous driving act. If you're driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher, then you're driving drunk. For commercial drivers, the limit is actually only .04 percent. These drivers use heavier vehicles, so they're held to a higher standard by law. Even if a person is under the legal limit, it's possible to be charged for driving while intoxicated if they appear intoxicated.
For anyone stopped by police for these actions, working with an attorney is important to their defense and proving they were driving safely and shouldn't be charged. If someone is hit by someone driving dangerously, a car accident attorney can help them with a civil lawsuit to seek compensation for any injuries they suffered or damage to their vehicle.
