The most common driver mistakes - find out what to look out for
Over the years, accidents have been dominated by speeding, over-running and improper overtaking. In addition, there is another factor - a poor assessment of the traffic situation. Mistakes take dark tolls. In 2016, 33 accidents occurred on Polish roads, in which 664 people died and 3 were injured.
The famous "speed mismatch" irritates many drivers, but it's a mistake that many motorists make. Combined with shortsightedness, this leads to many serious accidents. Moreover, there are mistakes both in decision-making and in driving technique.
The driver is the weakest link
According to police estimates, up to 97% of all accidents are caused by drivers. Statistics show how much depends on us, road users, and how many mistakes we make.
The most serious consequences are errors in assessing the situation. Most often, we underestimate the speed of another car, the distance when maneuvering on the road - especially when overtaking - and weather conditions. If we are in a hurry and push the gas pedal harder, it is easy to get into a dangerous situation. Last year, 1398 accidents occurred only when overtaking. As a result, 180 people died.
We forget about risk
Misjudgment of the speed of other vehicles or simple absent-mindedness or, on the contrary, impatience also lead to the restriction of the right-of-way. In 2016, this behavior led to 7420 accidents in which 343 people died. For comparison, we add that the discrepancy between speed and traffic conditions caused 7195 accidents, in which 846 people died.
Many traffic accidents occur due to failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles. Last year, this resulted in 2521 accidents. Bumper riding is unfortunately a common occurrence and a serious mistake that can have serious consequences. Many motorists also have problems with the correct exit from the main road to the secondary one. Drivers often signal their intention to turn too late, or misjudge the situation by assuming that a car with a left turn signal will overtake or overtake another vehicle.
Concentrate on driving
It can also be dangerous to drive at low speeds, such as when reversing. In 2016, 15 people died in accidents caused by the incorrect execution of this maneuver. The most common mistakes when reversing are not paying attention, misjudging the distance, and driving with foggy windows that reduce visibility. Another six people died as a result of an incorrectly executed turn.
It happens that the cause of an accident or collision is driving by heart, not paying attention to the signs. Many drivers also ignore pedestrians. One common and very dangerous mistake is not giving priority to pedestrians and overtaking at crosswalks. We often overestimate our strengths. Let's go despite being tired. Every year you fall asleep at the wheel or get tired.
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Sometimes drivers forget to focus on driving while driving. When they get behind the wheel, they light cigarettes, shake ashes off the seat, adjust the seat, or enjoy the view from the side window. Talking on the phone without a hands-free kit is prohibited, but it is not uncommon to see a driver with a phone to his ear.
Most common causes of accidents *
Discrepancy between speed and road conditions - 7195
Right of way not granted - 7420
Wrong overtaking - 1385
Failure to give priority to pedestrians - 4318
Failure to maintain a safe distance between vehicles - 2521
Wrong turn - 789
Failure to comply with traffic light rules - 453
Avoid Dodge - 412
Anomalous Evasion - 516
Crossing is wrong for bicycles – 272
Invalid reverse - 472
Tiredness or falling asleep - 655
* Data from the General Directorate of Police for 2016. The total number of accidents is 33664.
