Common driving habits that may lead to car accidents

Many car accidents in Massachusetts are the result of seemingly harmless everyday driving tendencies. Recognizing these dangerous habits could help you be more mindful the next time you enter the road, potentially sparing you from a collision.

Distracted driving

Checking your phone at red lights, eating while driving, adjusting the radio or talking to passengers might seem harmless. However, these activities may take your attention away from the road.

Massachusetts has hands-free laws, but distractions generally go beyond mobile devices. Anything that takes your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel could increase the likelihood of getting into an accident.

Following too closely

Tailgating is extremely common on Massachusetts highways and local roads. Many drivers underestimate how much distance they need to stop safely. The Massachusetts Driver’s Manual recommends maintaining a minimum four-second following distance behind the vehicle ahead of you.

This helps ensure you have enough time to react to other drivers. Following too closely could give you no time to slow down if the car ahead brakes suddenly, leading to rear-end collisions.

Improper lane changes and merging

Failing to check blind spots, not using turn signals or cutting across multiple lanes creates dangerous situations. Massachusetts drivers often merge onto highways at speeds too slow for traffic flow or change lanes without adequate space. These habits force other drivers to brake suddenly or swerve, potentially causing chain-reaction accidents.

Speeding and aggressive driving

Driving even slightly over the speed limit reduces your reaction time and increases stopping distance. Aggressive behaviors like weaving through traffic, running red and yellow lights or accelerating to prevent others from merging are unfortunately common. These driving habits might make you more likely to get into an accident.

Making safer choices behind the wheel

The driving habits you practice every day determine not only your safety, but the safety of everyone you share the road with. Recognizing harmful habits could help you stop or avoid them before they lead to a collision. Small adjustments to your driving can make a substantial difference in preventing accidents.