12 Driving Mistakes You Should Always Avoid

Driving is an essential part of everyday life, but it can also be risky if we’re not careful. Making even small mistakes behind the wheel can lead to serious consequences. Here are 12 driving mistakes you should always avoid to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. By being mindful of these common errors, you can contribute to a safer driving experience for everyone.

Driving Tired 

Driving while fatigued can be just as hazardous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Tired drivers experience delayed reaction times and may even doze off while driving. When your body signals that it needs rest, it will find a way to get it, so it’s wise to take a break. Although you may arrive at your destination later than expected, prioritizing your safety and that of others on the road is worth it.

Speeding

Speeding is a major contributor to traffic deaths in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that “Driving too fast for conditions or in excess of posted limit accounted for 22% of all fatal accidents in the U.S. Operating a vehicle under the influence ranked as the second most common cause of fatal crashes, attributing to 14%.” The higher your speed, the more severe the consequences of a car accident can be. Speed limits are set to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Driving Barefoot 

Driving barefoot isn’t the safest option. If you’re used to wearing shoes, going without them can feel strange, which isn’t ideal when driving. Laura Adams, a safety analyst at Driver’sEd.com, points out that it requires more pressure on the pedals compared to wearing shoes, which can affect your braking time and increase risk. However, Tehrani suggests that barefoot driving is better than wearing some uncomfortable shoes, as it provides better control and a direct feel for the pedals. Despite this, the risks associated with barefoot driving make it something you should avoid.

Road Rage 

J. Peter Kissinger, president of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, states that aggressive driving is responsible for 56 percent of all fatal car crashes. Engaging in road rage, having angry outbursts, or arguing while driving can leave you vulnerable in various ways. A 2014 study from the Harvard School of Public Health suggests that such anger can potentially lead to heart attacks or strokes hours later.

Not Wearing Your Seatbelt 

Wearing a seat belt is a simple yet crucial action. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that seat belts saved over 75,000 lives from 2004 to 2008. While airbags enhance vehicle safety, they are meant to work alongside seat belts, which help keep passengers secure and prevent ejection during high-speed crashes and rollovers.

Using Headphones 

Listening to music during road trips and long drives is generally fine, but using headphones while driving is not advisable. Richard Reina, the product training director at CARiD.com, explains that “headphones decrease your awareness even more by filtering out other noises more than just your car’s speakers.” While it may be safer to take calls with headphones instead of using your hands to hold the phone, Reina warns that outside sounds will be harder to detect.

Reckless Driving In Unsafe Weather 

When road conditions worsen due to bad weather, the best way to prevent an accident is to slow down and stay highly aware of your surroundings. Unfortunately, not everyone adheres to this basic safety guideline. Even if your vehicle has all-wheel drive, that doesn’t mean you can drive fast in poor weather. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize safety by reducing your speed and maintaining a greater distance between your car and the one in front of you.

Distracted Driving 

Texting and driving is a major no-no, and it really comes down to basic common sense to keep your eyes on the road. Despite being aware of the dangers, many people still engage in this risky behavior. If you find it tempting to use your cell phone for anything other than navigation while driving, a good solution is to simply turn it off. This way, you won’t feel the urge to pick it up when you receive a text or hear your phone ring.

Tailgating 

Driving too close to the car in front of you is dangerous, and if they stop suddenly, you could be at fault for any resulting accident. If you find yourself being tailgated and honked at from behind, it’s best to pull over and let that vehicle pass, as they may be dealing with a legitimate emergency. If a driver is tailgating you on the highway without any clear reason, safely move to the right-hand lane and allow them to go ahead. Even if it’s not your fault, it’s important to prioritize safety and avoid traveling too closely with other vehicles.

Driving Under The Influence 

We all understand the dangers of driving while drunk or under any influence, so let’s keep it simple: just don’t do it. Stick to common-sense rules like using a Lyft or Uber or having a designated driver if you plan on drinking alcohol.

Careless Driving 

When you focus on anything other than driving, you become distracted and increase your chances of getting into an accident. Stephanie Schwartz, the owner of Roadrunner Traffic School, points out that “putting on make-up while driving, along with any other distracting activities, doubles the reaction time a driver needs to put their foot on the brake.” Many people also adjust their mirrors to check their appearance while applying makeup, which means they’re not using their mirrors to monitor surrounding traffic. Additionally, even if you’re parked, keeping your makeup in your car can potentially damage your products and make them susceptible to mold growth, according to the Zoe Report.

Driving With Your Seat Too Far Back.

Drivers need to be positioned optimally to maintain control of their vehicle, and being too far from the steering wheel can hinder that control. Reina explains that “beyond your ability to reach the pedals and respond quickly to what’s happening on the road, you might need to operate your lights, wipers, or other systems at a moment’s notice, which can be difficult if you’re sitting too far back.”