Motorists in Michigan risk their lives every time they take to the roads, but not due to their own negligent driving. Instead, the bad driving habits of others pose the most significant risks. No one knows when they will cross paths with such drivers.
Bad driving habits
Drivers of all ages do things without even thinking about it. Many of those bad habits are also against the law.
- Mobile phone use: Cell phone use while driving has become a leading cause of car accidents.
- Wearing headphones while driving: This could mask emergency sirens, car horns and other warnings.
- Tailgating: Inattention could cause a driver to follow too closely, risking rear-end collisions.
- Failing to signal lane changes: Blinker use is essential to indicate the driver’s intention to other motorists.
- Speeding: Excessive speed increases crash risks because it takes longer to slow down or stop.
- Failure to turn on headlights: Headlights are not only for darkness but also in bad weather and at dusk.
- Failure to buckle up: NHTSA says about 27 million people nationwide do not wear seat belts.
Laws vary by state, and even if some of these bad habits do not violate Michigan laws, they have the potential to cause car accidents with devastating consequences. Sadly, those who lose their lives or suffer debilitating injuries are often innocent passengers or occupants of other vehicles.
Although no amount of money can bring back loved ones or life enjoyment to those who suffered catastrophic injuries, damage recovery could be sought. If the negligence of other parties caused the car accidents, filing wrongful death or personal injury lawsuits in a Michigan civil court might lead to monetary judgments awarded to cover financial and emotional damages.