No one really knows if they’ll ever be in an accident in their lifetime. Some people seem to be accident magnets, while others can go their entire lives without ever meeting an accident. Overall, most people are likely to be involved in an accident at least once in their lifetime. The causes of these accidents vary. Some are due to bad weather, while others are caused by bad driving habits.
Regardless of who is at fault, the aftermath of high-speed accidents and injuries can be life-changing. This is why you need to eliminate distractions and follow established rules to keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
If you live in St. Petersburg, here are some common causes of car accidents you might want to look out for:
Table of Contents
Distracted Driving
The risks of distracted driving are quite clear, but people still continue to indulge in this habit throughout St. Petersburg. While several distractions contribute to this issue, a few are more common than others. According to a survey by Insurance Business America, daydreaming tops the list of distracted driving behaviors in the country. Other common distracted driving habits include the use of cell phones and outside distractions.
To avoid accidents related to distracted driving, you must always keep your eyes on the road. This means not using your phone, changing the radio station, or eating while driving. If it’s necessary, you should pull over to make the necessary adjustments.
Speeding
Speed limits are not suggestions; they are meant to be followed strictly by all motorists to keep the roads safe. When you go above the set speed limit, you significantly increase your chances of being involved in an accident. While you might get to your destination one or two minutes earlier, the time saved is totally not worth the risks involved.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
You’re considered a drunk driver if you have a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08%. Drunk driving severely impairs your ability to react to changing situations on the road, which can result in tragic accidents. It is the leading cause of road accidents not only in St. Petersburg but also in the entire country.
If you plan on consuming alcohol, you should always designate a sober driver or use alternative transportation. Also, if you suspect that someone else is driving under the influence, don’t hesitate to report them to the authorities. You could be saving someone’s life.
Reckless Driving
Bad driving habits, such as aggressive lane changes, ignoring traffic signals, and tailgating, are all too common on St. Petersburg roads. According to the AAA Foundation, about eight out of 10 drivers demonstrate aggressive driving behaviors on the road.
While you might be having one of those bad days when you aren’t as cautious as you should be behind the wheel, you shouldn’t take your frustration out on other drivers. Instead, you should stay calm, respect traffic laws, and maintain a safe following distance to avoid reckless driving-related accidents.
Bad Weather
One of the many reasons people love living in St. Petersburg and Florida as a whole is the temperate weather all year. However, if you’ve spent significant time in the city, you can attest that despite the nice weather, St. Petersburg is also home to some extreme conditions. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common here, and when it rains, it pours, sometimes causing road accidents.
If you’re driving in bad weather, you should increase your following distance, reduce your speed, and ensure your headlights are on to increase visibility.
Night Driving
According to the National Safety Council, drivers are three times more likely to get into an accident at night than during the day. This is mainly due to reduced visibility, which makes it harder to see pedestrians, hazard lights, and potholes. Darkness can also compromise depth perception, peripheral vision, and color recognition.
To avoid getting into car accidents at night, you need to ensure your vehicle is well-maintained with clean windows and functioning lights. You should also buckle up since most fatalities that occur at night involve unrestrained passengers.
Inexperienced Drivers
Florida attracts thousands of tourists every year, meaning there are always drivers on the road who are unfamiliar with the state’s traffic laws or understand the complex road network. Such drivers can easily cause accidents since they are unfamiliar with the area.
If you’re visiting St. Petersburg for the first time, it’s advisable to have a designated driver familiar with the roads. And if you’re a new driver, you need to practice safe driving habits and keep off busy roads until you’re competent enough.
Make Safe Driving Choices on the Road
Being aware of the common causes of car accidents in your city empowers you to make safer driving options. While accidents can still happen even when you’re doing all you can to stay safe, driving safely significantly reduces the risk of getting into an accident.
Therefore, it’s important for you to practice safe driving habits. Ensure you avoid distractions, practice patience, and obey speed limits. Each time you’re behind the wheel, you need to keep in mind that you’re responsible for your life as well as that of other motorists on the road.
