The first thing someone is likely to do after arriving at any gathering late is to blame the traffic, but we never pause to question why our roads are always congested. We often forget that traffic itself is caused by several factors, including poor driving habits. These driving habits have significant effects on traffic flow, road safety, and overall road conditions. These habits do not just affect you; their effects extend to other drivers, often causing accidents, traffic congestion, increased fuel consumption, and higher maintenance costs. And these in turn have huge effects on economic growth.
Below are some of the impacts of bad driving habits that are costing you a lot more than being late to work.
Increased Fuel Consumption
Particularly in nations that rely significantly on oil imports, poor driving practices include fast acceleration, abrupt braking, lane cutting, breaking traffic signals, and excessive idling raise fuel consumption and national fuel import costs. According to studies, aggressive driving can cause health problems and environmental harm in addition to reducing fuel efficiency by 10% to 40% in stop-and-go traffic.
It gets worse in a place like Accra, where heavy traffic and heat may further worsen fuel wastage, with studies showing a reduction of up to 33% in fuel efficiency.
Frequent accidents
People who are usually distracted when driving, disobey traffic signals, or drive while intoxicated are often the cause of road accidents. Road accidents, in turn, cause road closures, lane blocking, and the need for emergency response services, delaying traffic tremendously.
Traffic congestion leads to commuters spending extra hours in traffic, affecting working hours and economic efficiency. It results in time loss, fuel waste, and increased stress. Idling in traffic also increases personal and national energy costs, while delays in goods transport increase operational costs and supply chain inefficiencies.
High repair cost
Poor driving practices, such as overloading, speeding, and rough handling, increase vehicle wear and tear, leading to higher maintenance costs. This affects individuals and businesses, particularly those relying on transport services. Overuse of brakes and tires reduces their lifespan, and commercial transport sectors face higher repair and replacement costs. Refusal to slow down for potholes can lead to suspension or premature retirement, reckless shifting can destroy transmissions, and disregarding dashboard warning lights increases mechanical failures.
Low productivity
Every time a vehicle is off the road for repairs due to bad driving habits, this is what happens: you get to work late, deliveries are delayed, staff sit around waiting, and clients start to complain. Not only are you losing money, but the people who depended on you to complete a task are now at a loss as well.
Negative effects on public health
Both drivers and passengers experience increased levels of tension and anxiety as a result of poor driving habits. Accidents are also more likely to occur, which can result in fatalities and serious injuries. The stress and health problems that follow can affect society at large, leading to higher healthcare expenses and decreased productivity.
