The following are undesirable driving behaviors that can result in accidents.
Aggressiveness
Aggressive behavior causes accidents. It also causes tempers to rise. Aggressive behavior usually means that a driver is neglecting the rules of the road, which will lead to citations for violating the laws of the road. Aggressive drivers pose a hazard and risk to all users of the roadway.
Egotism
- Some drivers enter the roadway thinking that they are “the best driver on the road.” This overconfidence can lead to rising tempers and is better left behind.
- People who are egotistical feel like they own the road and do not consider the rights of other drivers. The heart of egotism is disrespect for other drivers on the road.
- Drivers who are egotistic tend to engage in speeding, risk taking, unsafe rapid starts and aggressive behavior.
- Egotistical drivers do not make room for merging vehicles, do not yield the right- of-way, do not let other drivers pass, follow emergency vehicles too closely or fail to yield to them, and cut off other drivers by merging too quickly or too slowly.
Emotional Instability
Being emotional such as feeling angry or upset while driving can result in aggressive behavior, poor judgment and poor vehicle control. If you find yourself having these feelings, do not drive your vehicle because you will not be able to give safe driving the full attention that it requires. Make sure to calm down before you get behind the wheel.
Inattentiveness
Not paying attention to the driving task and the environment around you and your vehicle will cause an accident. If you are distracted by psychological or situational factors, even for just a split second, you will not be able to react to hazards as quickly and it could result in a serious accident. Use all of your proper driving practices. Look ahead and down the roadway. Keep focused on the driving task.
Exhibitionism
Exhibition of speed is illegal. Never race cars from a stop or exhibit irrational driving behavior. Do not try to show off your vehicle by racing, “peeling out,” over-steering, speeding, etc. Driving behavior such as these create an unsafe driving environment for others on the road. It also violates the rules and regulations of the road.
Irresponsibility
Driving irresponsibly causes crashes, injuries and deaths. Every time the driver gets behind the wheel, they must take their responsibility very seriously. The slightest errors can trigger devastating results. Tailgating, speeding, cutting drivers off, weaving in and out of traffic, etc. are all examples of irresponsible driving. Your life and the lives of your passengers are in your hands while you are driving. If you act irresponsibly, such as by drinking and driving, you are putting more than just your own life at risk. Think before you act or get behind the wheel.
Reckless Driving/Street Racing (AB 2190)
In 2007, the California Department of Motor Vehicles put into effect increased penalties for street racers. More specifically, AB 2190 (Benoit) increases the penalties for reckless driving or engaging in a speed contest of some kind. Specified injuries to others as a result would subject first-offenders to:
- Confinement in state prison or county jail for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months
- Or by a fine of not less than $220.00 (reckless driving) or $500 (speed contest) but not more than $1000.
The specified injuries, which incur these sentences are:
- Loss of consciousness
- Concussion
- Bone fracture
- Protracted loss or impairment of function of a bodily member or organ
- Wound requiring extensive suturing
- Serious disfigurement
- Brain injury
- Paralysis
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