A new study found that California drivers are some of the worst in the U.S. Are you surprised? Probably not. The study factored in fatalities, speeding tickets, DUIs and other violations and then accounted for the population.
When broken down:
- We have the second most DUIs
- We come in at number seven for accidents
- Nine for speeding tickets
- And have the fifth most citations
Why Do We Have so Many Accidents?
When put together, that makes California the second-worst state for drivers in the nation. One reason for the high amount of bad drivers could be the length of travel that most people drive to get to work. Many employees in San Francisco and Sacramento choose to live a few hours away from their job. While the jobs might be lucrative in the city they still can’t foot the bill for a house there.
Another reason for the high number of crashes could also have to do with the weather. Most California drivers are acclimated to getting around in nice weather. When a rainstorm happens it can cause chaos. Recently a downpour caused hundreds of freeway crashes in one day. The massive rainstorm that hit Southern California a few weeks ago caused a 570% surge in L.A. County freeway accidents.
Drivers Can Stay Safe With Defensive Techniques
You would never be one of those bad drivers, right? Since that is the case then you can arm yourself by driving defensively. People use defensive driving techniques to prepare for other neglect drivers on the road.
The following are some techniques you can use:
- Be prepared to react quickly to other drivers
- Keep your attention on the road at all times
- Be aware of the open spaces around your vehicle if you must swerve
- Keep an eye on oncoming cars in case they don’t stop
- Don’t assume that other drivers will do what they are supposed to
The last point might be the most important one to keep in mind. If you are ready for unexpected behavior then you will have an easier time reacting to it. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers can get hit by a negligent one.