5 Driving Mistakes to Avoid Making
We might have gone through a course on driver’s ed in our teenage years, but how many of us really ever brush up on those lessons? After years of driving, you become accustomed to doing the same things over and over again, regardless of whether they’re the right thing to do. Looking to make your driving experience safer? Then you’ll want to avoid doing what those “bad drivers” you glare at do!
1. Tailgating
Many drivers try this tactic, especially in stop-and-go traffic or when they’re impatient. Stopping right up against the rear bumper of the next car is going to stress that driver out, and it’s also not safe, because you’re more likely to slam into them if someone hits you from behind or they brake suddenly. Always try to leave two to three seconds of space between yourself and the vehicle ahead of you while in motion and give at least a few feet of space when you’re stopped.
2. Ignoring Blind Spots
Even if your car has a rear-view camera and lots of mirrors, you may still have some blind spots that you need to watch out for. Not only that, but you need to know where other drivers’ blind spots may be, especially those driving large trucks who simply can’t see very far to the side or behind them.
3. Positioning Mirrors Poorly
Your mirrors should be angled further out to allow you to see as much of the road behind you as possible, rather than focusing on the side of your car.
4. Driving While Angry
Everyone gets emotional and sometimes we have to drive while we’re not in the best mood. However, it’s best if you can keep your anger and frustration in check, as allowing your blood to boil over is going to lead you to make some careless and dangerous decisions.
5. Not Using Turn Signals
This is a crucial mistake to avoid! Your car or truck has turn signals to allow you to signal your maneuvers in advance of making them so that other drivers can anticipate your movements and act accordingly. If you’re wildly veering left and right without signaling, then you’re very likely going to cause an accident. Also, you need to make sure to turn that signal off once you’ve completed your turn — it’s annoying and confusing when drivers are going down a straight road with turn signals blinking because everyone thinks they’re trying to change lanes!
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