Wilmington attorney discusses the dangerous habits drivers engage in without realizing it

Very few drivers ever think about ways they can refresh and improve upon their skills behind the wheel. Getting to and from our destination is often a top priority, and our fast-paced culture encourages us to sacrifice safety for speed.

Many adult drivers have become comfortable with this type of behavior. They've been doing it for so long, it has become second nature. What's worse, when motorists become too comfortable and confident in their driving abilities, they may engage in risk-taking and multi-tasking behind the wheel.

What is driver conditioning?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), this level of comfort, referred to as "driver conditioning," affects all drivers and is likely a leading cause in crashes.

One crash referenced by the NSC involved a woman and her mother who were struck and killed in 2002. Another driver yielded the right of way as she entered an intersection, but the unexpected occurred when she was broadsided by an SUV going 55 mph that failed to stop.

When driving becomes too routine, motorists are often unable to react to unexpected occurrences, such as being cut off or traffic coming to a sudden stop.

How can drivers break bad road habits?

The NSC says that learning how to drive better should be an ongoing process, not an end game. All drivers should be reminded of the dangers of their comfort and conditioning on a regular basis. The NSC proposes three effective methods to help raise awareness:

• Requiring drivers to take online tests every time they renew their licenses
• Reaching drivers through social media, radio, and television with public service announcements
• Implementing educational programs to children and their parents

These programs haven't yet been initiated. Doing so would require coordination between private organizations, state and federal agencies, and safety advocates.

In the meantime, drivers can break their conditioning by periodically stepping out of their comfort zone, such as taking a different route when commuting to work. Drivers should also step back and re-evaluate the risky habits they have become comfortable with. This includes texting and driving, speeding, weaving in and out of lanes, and multi-tasking behind the wheel.

If you or a loved one was hurt in a crash caused by someone else's careless actions, don't hesitate to consult with a car accident attorney to explore your legal options. With more than 35 years of experience representing injured motorists in the Wilmington area, attorney Richard Flexner has a proven track record of courtroom success. He'll take on the insurance companies and help you maximize your compensation.

Contact the Law Offices of Richard Flexner today to schedule your free case evaluation.