Every year, thousands of lives are lost on U.S. roadways due to dangerous driving behaviors. In 2023 alone, nearly 41,000 people were killed in traffic crashes. A new report from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals a troubling trend – many drivers still engage in these dangerous behaviors.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Walnut Creek, Antioch, Pittsburg, or anywhere in the Bay Area due to another driver’s negligence, it’s important to understand liability and your legal options. Clancy & Diaz, LLP is here to help you navigate the challenges of car accident claims and seek the compensation you deserve.
Common Risky Driving Behaviors
The AAA report categorizes drivers based on their self-reported dangerous behaviors. The most common dangerous driving habits reported were:
Speeding
Excessive speeding is a major contributor to severe accidents. Nearly half (49%) of survey respondents admitted to driving 15 mph over the posted speed limit on a freeway in the past 30 days. 36% reported exceeding speed limits by 10 mph on residential streets.
Why is speeding so dangerous? At higher speeds, drivers have less time to react to sudden changes, such as a pedestrian stepping onto the road or a car stopping unexpectedly. And the faster a car is moving, the longer it takes to stop, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions and loss of control. High-speed crashes generate greater impact forces, leading to more serious injuries and fatalities.
Distracted Driving
Most drivers (93%) surveyed acknowledge the dangers of texting, emailing, and reading while driving. However, many said they still engage in these behaviors:
- 27% admitted to sending a text/email while driving in the past 30 days.
- 37% admitted to reading a text/email while driving.
- 36% reported holding and talking on a phone while behind the wheel.
It only takes a split second of inattention to cause a devastating distracted driving accident. Looking away from the road to read a text or adjust the GPS could cause a driver to miss changing road conditions. Taking hands off the wheel to send a message or eat reduces control over the vehicle. And talking to passengers or daydreaming impairs decision-making and slows reaction time.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving includes behaviors such as tailgating, running red lights, weaving between lanes, and road rage. These actions escalate dangerous situations and lead to avoidable accidents. In the survey, 89% of drivers recognize aggressive driving as dangerous, yet 27% ran at least one red light in the last 30 days.
Aggressive drivers are more likely to take reckless risks, such as speeding through intersections or making sudden lane changes. Following too closely (tailgating) reduces the ability to stop in time, leading to rear-end crashes. Engaging in aggressive driving can also escalate conflicts between drivers, increasing the likelihood of road rage incidents.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue-related crashes are far too common, especially among those who work long shifts, commercial drivers, and people who drive late at night. According to the AAA Foundation, drowsy driving contributes to an estimated 328,000 crashes per year in the U.S., with 6,400 resulting in fatalities. The effects of drowsy driving can be similar to those of alcohol impairment, leading to:
- Slowed reaction times
- Difficulty maintaining lane position
- Impaired judgment and decision-making
- Momentary “microsleeps,” where a driver briefly loses consciousness
Even if a driver never fully falls asleep, fatigue can still make them a danger to others on the road. Unfortunately, many drivers underestimate how dangerous it is to drive while exhausted.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the deadliest driving behaviors. While most drivers acknowledge the risks, far too many still take the chance:
- Drugs, including marijuana and prescription medications, also impair coordination, reaction time, and judgment, leading to devastating crashes.
- Even a single drink can affect a driver's ability to respond quickly to road conditions. When combined with speeding, distraction, or other reckless behaviors, impaired driving is even more likely to lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities.
How a Car Accident Attorney Helps California Crash Victims
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in the Bay Area, Clancy & Diaz, LLP is ready to help. Our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights, investigate the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve under California law.
Our firm knows how to get results. In cases involving car accidents, we recovered $2,617,566 for one client and $1,800,000 for another who was hurt in a collision.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and no legal fees unless we win your case. Don’t wait to get the justice you deserve – contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
“Thank you so much to Pete and his team. I was very hesitant when choosing a legal firm to represent me in my case, but after talking to Pete, I knew that he’d get the job done. Very knowledgeable, honest and very professional who care about their clients.” – Marvin B., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐