Common Driving Behaviors That Cause Accidents

Every time you get behind the wheel, you trust that other drivers will follow the rules of the road. Unfortunately, that trust is often misplaced. In Northbrook, across the Chicago area, and throughout Illinois, accidents happen every day because of poor driving decisions, not bad luck.

Here’s a closer look at driving habits that often lead to serious car accidents.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving continues to be one of the leading causes of crashes across Illinois and the country. While texting behind the wheel is the most talked-about distraction, it’s far from the only one.

Other distractions include:

Eating or drinking
Adjusting the radio or navigation system
Talking to passengers
Reaching for items inside the vehicle

Even a few seconds of inattention can have devastating consequences, especially at higher speeds. Staying entirely focused while driving is one of the simplest ways to avoid a collision.

Speeding

Driving above the speed limit, or too fast for road conditions, reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes, like a child darting into the street or a car stopping short ahead.

Speeding also increases the force of impact in a crash, making injuries far more severe. Whether it’s rushing through Northbrook’s residential areas or speeding along a busy Chicago highway, unsafe speeds put everyone at greater risk.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or cutting other drivers off don’t just create tension — they create real danger. Aggressive drivers:

Have less time to react to sudden hazards
Are more likely to lose control of their vehicles
Often escalate already risky situations

If you encounter an aggressive driver, the safest choice is to stay calm, avoid engagement, and create space whenever possible.

Driving Under the Influence

Despite years of public awareness campaigns, impaired driving remains a serious threat. Alcohol, illegal drugs, prescription medications, and even some over-the-counter drugs can impair a driver’s ability to think clearly, react quickly, and control their vehicle.

Even a small amount of impairment can increase the risk of an accident. If you suspect another driver is impaired, stay back and, if needed, report them to authorities.

Drowsy Driving

Fatigue behind the wheel can be just as dangerous as alcohol impairment. Sleep-deprived drivers have slower reaction times, worse decision-making abilities, and an increased likelihood of falling asleep at the wheel.

Long commutes, late nights, and irregular work schedules — common in both Northbrook and Chicago — can all contribute to drowsy driving risks. If you feel tired, it’s better to rest before getting behind the wheel.

Failure to Yield

Intersections are some of the most common places where accidents occur. Many crashes happen because a driver failed to yield the right of way, whether turning left, merging onto a highway, or ignoring a stop sign.

Being patient and cautious at intersections can prevent many collisions. Never assume another driver will yield, even if they’re supposed to.

How Stein & Shulman, LLC Can Help After a Car Accident

Even the most careful driver can’t control the behavior of others. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s reckless or careless driving, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Stein & Shulman, we work hard to help Northbrook and Chicago-area accident victims protect their rights and hold negligent drivers accountable. We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we recover for you.