As a driver, it is important to always remain vigilant while on the road to keep yourself and others safe. Avoiding accidents can also lead to improved insurance rates and fewer auto body repairs. Below, learn about some of the most common hazards that drivers experience to help your defensive driving knowledge. 

4 Common Safety Hazards For Drivers

1. Poor Weather

Driving in heavy rain or snow affects visibility and can increase the risk of collisions with other drivers and objects such as electricity poles, road barriers, and trees. Heavy rain and snow also create slick road conditions that can cause hydroplaning or sliding on ice, respectively.

Stay aware of the local forecast to avoid bad driving days, and go slowly while keeping up with traffic if you do get stuck in bad weather. Use your headlights as per state laws and maintain clear auto glass to increase visibility and reduce the need for auto body repairs. 

2. Distracted Drivers

Driving while looking at a portable device, talking to a passenger, eating, changing the radio, or doing anything else that takes your eyes off the road caused tens of thousands of deaths between 2012 and 2017, according to the United States Department of Transportation. Even a five-second distraction is enough to inflict serious harm if the vehicle is going 55 miles an hour or higher. Put your devices on mute, pre-set the radio, eat before you drive, and focus on the road and what’s around you. You should also maintain a safe distance from other drivers.

3. Glare

The sun’s glare at different times of day has a blinding effect that can also make the eyes water if they’re sensitive to UV rays. Drivers become susceptible to collisions with other drivers and assorted objects because they cannot see.

Avoid times of day when the glare is harshest to stay safe on the road. If you find yourself driving into the sun, pull over when you can and wait until the light dims.

4. Reckless Pedestrians

Human-related driving hazards are not limited to those behind the wheel. Pedestrians who jaywalk, look at their devices instead of traffic when they’re crossing roads, behave erratically because of drug or alcohol use, or otherwise act recklessly near cars and trucks are considered hazards. Children playing in the street and bicyclists who don’t follow road rules also fall under the hazard category.

Remain mindful at all times to avoid pedestrian accidents and slow down or stop if it’s safe, depending on what’s occurring. If children are playing and don’t see you, for example, slow down and drive with extra caution. 

Accidents happen even when you’re cautious. If you need auto body repair services, contact Auto Flex Hail in Golden, CT, to perform quality work. Also specializing in auto glass and dent repair, expect affordable prices from honest technicians. Call the auto body repair shop today at (720) 338-6759 to schedule an appointment or learn more about services online. View what customers say about the auto body repair center on Yelp.