Deadly driving mistakes to avoid

16:15 18 April 2011

The road isn't the safest place in the world, mainly down to the drivers driving along it.

Some are too brash, others too conservative; afraid to pull out of a junction until there are no cars in sight for miles.

But it's not just other drivers you need to worry about. We're all guilty of some dangerous driving mistakes that could endanger ourselves and others.

So take a look at some of the worst of the worst to help you stay safe behind the wheel.

Speeding
Driving above the speed limit is the second highest cause of death in fatal crashes, with the worst cases involving speeding without wearing a seatbelt or helmet.

The death rate for speeding motocyclists is shockingly high, with speeding a factor in more than a third of motorcycle fatalities. So think before you put your foot down.

Drifters
The most common mistake made by drivers is the most simple: stay in your own lane.

Buckle up
According to statistics, a third of people who die in car crashes failed to put their seatbelt on.

Without one, driver and passengers put themselves at risk of being ejected from the car completely - and 76 per cent of those ejections end in death.

One for the road?
Young drivers are especially prone to drink driving, with 21-31 year olds responsible for more than half of alcohol-induced fatal crashes.

Over-tired
Driving while drowsy is as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.

It also makes sense that most traffic fatalities occur during the hours of 3am and 6am, when most people are used to being asleep.