Top Ten Driving Habits to Avoid – Common Driving Mistakes
It’s a common belief that everyone else on the road is a terrible driver, while we ourselves are excellent behind the wheel. However, the truth is that none of us are perfect drivers. Even as a certified driving instructor, I can admit that I’m not flawless.
While it’s clear that activities like drinking and driving or texting and driving should be avoided, there are other, more subtle things that you should never do while driving. Here’s a list of ten such things that many people do, even though they shouldn’t:
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1. Don’t Hold Your Hands at the 10 & 2 Position on the Steering Wheel in Modern Cars
Many of us who have been driving for 20 years or more were taught to place our hands at the 10 and 2 positions on the steering wheel. However, this is no longer the correct way to hold a steering wheel in modern vehicles. The NHTSA now recommends holding the steering wheel at the 9 and 3 or the 4 and 8 positions. This is due to the way airbags deploy in modern cars. These new recommended positions allow you to maintain control of the steering wheel while reducing the risk of injury from an airbag impact.
2. Don’t Drive with Two Feet
This rule applies to vehicles with automatic transmissions. There are some exceptions, such as drivers with certain physical limitations or those driving manual transmission vehicles. However, the vast majority of drivers should not use two feet on the pedals while driving. Two-footed drivers often unknowingly rest their left foot on the brake pedal, activating the brake lights and putting strain on the brake system. If you’re a two-footed driver, it’s time to break that habit.
3. Don’t Put the Seatbelt Shoulder Strap Behind Your Back
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Seatbelts can be uncomfortable, but if you’re not wearing it properly, it’s as good as not wearing it at all. It’s illegal in most places to have the shoulder strap behind your back, and you could receive the same citation as not wearing a seatbelt at all. If the shoulder strap is uncomfortable, consider purchasing accessories to make it more comfortable, but always wear your seatbelt as it was designed.
4. Don’t Drive in the Left Lane of an Expressway Unless You’re Passing
Many people refer to the left lane of the expressway as the “fast lane”, but a more accurate term would be the “passing lane”. You should only be in the left lane if you’re passing or about to pass someone. Once you’ve passed, move back over to the right. Don’t be a “left lane hog”.
5. Don’t Drive Next to a Large Vehicle for Longer Than Necessary
As a former truck driver, I can’t stress this enough: stay away from large vehicles. They have large blind spots and are prone to mechanical mishaps. Give them as much room as possible.
6. Don’t Assume Railroad Tracks Are Safe to Cross
Railroad crossing lights are not 100% reliable. They can and do fail. When approaching railroad tracks, slow down, look down the tracks to see if a train is coming, and listen for any nearby trains.
7. Don’t Use Cruise Control in Heavy Rain, Snow, or Ice
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Cruise control is not designed to handle these road conditions and can cause your vehicle to lose control. Avoid using it in inclement weather.
8. Don’t Wave Someone Through Traffic
While it’s courteous to leave space for driveways, side streets, or business entrances when you’re stopped in traffic, you should never direct anyone through. Many accidents occur because someone was waved through traffic, only to be hit by a vehicle in another lane or on the shoulder of the road.
9. Don’t Escalate a Road Rage Situation
We all experience road rage from time to time. However, it’s important to keep your composure while driving. Never engage with someone who is actively displaying road rage. Get as far away from them as possible.
10. Don’t Drive on Medications Without Reading the Warning Label First
You can be charged with a DUI for driving under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter drugs. Always check with your doctor and read the warning label before driving on new medication.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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