3 Factors That Can Affect Your Driving Ability

While driving is a big part of everyday life, many variables come into play when you get behind the wheel. In order to become a safer, more responsible driver, you must know what influences your driving skills and judgment. Here are some of the factors that can affect your driving ability while on the road.

Experience

Like with any skill, practice makes perfect. Newer drivers lack experience, which means they also often lack confidence or level-headedness while driving. A nervous, inexperienced driver can be a hazard to both themselves and everyone else around them. On the other hand, a more experienced driver will be calmer, even when driving in more stressful circumstances such as bad weather or traffic jams. Insurance companies are also aware of this disparity: car insurance rates are generally much higher for drivers in their teens and early twenties than for seasoned drivers.

Emotional State

Driving requires you to make safe decisions, but an emotional or troubled mindset can make that difficult. If you’re angry, anxious, or otherwise upset, it can lead to risky driving behaviors such as speeding, running red lights or stop signs, and cutting off other drivers. Because your emotional state has a heavy influence on your driving ability, it’s important to stay calm while on the road.

Alcohol

While it may seem obvious, alcohol is one of the biggest factors that can affect your driving ability. Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction times, making you an extremely unsafe driver. Apart from the danger it creates, drinking and driving also comes with severe legal consequences.

If you’re convicted of a DUI, you will likely need to obtain SR22 insurance in order to reinstate your license. The rates and requirements for SR22 insurance vary depending on your state. For example, in Washington, SR22 insurance rates are based on the state minimum liability requirement of $25,000 for bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for bodily injury to two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage. No matter where you live, drinking and driving can lead to severe consequences. Fortunately, an SR22 insurance agency like Serenity Group can help you find a suitable policy and get back on the road as soon as possible.