Driving is one of the most dangerous activities we engage in daily, yet many of us don’t truly consider the risks until it’s too late. National awareness months and days like April’s Distracted Driving Awareness Month, May’s Bike Safety Month, and December’s National Impaired Driving Prevention Month are reminders of how widespread the dangers are. And the statistics are alarming: in 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the highest number of traffic fatalities since 2007. Speed and alcohol impairment were factors in nearly half of those crashes, and early estimates for 2021 show even higher fatality rates— the highest in the first nine months of any year since 2006.
The real danger, however, lies in the widespread complacency people feel while driving. Many believe, “It won’t happen to me,” but fatal accidents are often the result of one of four dangerous D’s: Drunk or drugged driving, drowsiness, distraction, and dangerous driving behaviors (speeding, drag racing, or road rage). Let’s take a closer look at these critical risks.
1. Drunk or Drugged Driving
Impaired driving is a well-known killer, but it’s still a serious issue. According to the NHTSA, one-third of all traffic fatalities involve alcohol, and drug-impaired driving is on the rise, though it doesn’t yet receive the same level of attention. Interestingly, workplace drug tests reached their highest rate in 2021, highlighting how pervasive the issue is. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, driving under the influence remains one of the deadliest behaviors on the road.
2. Drowsiness
Fatigue behind the wheel is just as dangerous—if not more so—than driving while impaired. Studies have shown that getting fewer than six hours of sleep triples your risk of a crash. In fact, around 60% of adult drivers admit to driving while drowsy, often underestimating the danger. But the truth is, driving while tired is just as risky as driving drunk. Lack of sleep impairs judgment, reaction time, and attention, making it a silent but deadly threat on the road.
3. Distraction
Distraction is a growing issue, with mobile phones often being the main culprit. However, distractions are much broader than that. Cognitive distractions, inattentional blindness, highway hypnosis, and other forms of mental distraction can take your focus off the road. Anything that diverts your attention from driving—whether it’s texting, talking, or daydreaming—can have deadly consequences. It’s crucial to stay present and focused behind the wheel.
4. Dangerous Driving Behaviors (Speeding, Drag Racing, Darting)
Speeding and reckless driving—like drag racing or darting in and out of lanes—are fueled by emotion and impatience. When we’re angry, stressed, or rushed, we’re more likely to drive aggressively. Studies show that emotions like anger, extreme happiness, or grief can impair driving performance, increasing the likelihood of accidents. For example, someone who’s angry may tailgate or cut people off, while someone grieving may not focus on the road. Research by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute has shown that drivers in extreme emotional states, whether negative or positive, are at a significantly higher risk for crashes.
To turn these D’s into A’s on your road safety report, it’s essential to invest in human factors training. This kind of training is vital for improving safety at work, at home, and—most importantly—on the road. The four D’s of driving aren’t going away, but we can reduce their risks by educating drivers and making safety a top priority. Whether it’s through reading resources on distracted driving, offering human factors training, or taking other steps to mitigate these dangers, now is the time to help keep everyone safer on the road. The stakes are too high to ignore.
