9 Driving Mistakes Every Driver Must Avoid
We all know that driving can be dangerous, but sometimes we make mistakes without even realising it. When we break the law or drive recklessly, we put ourselves and others at risk. There is no excuse for careless driving, so it’s important to be aware of drivers’ most common mistakes. The more you know, the safer you can be on the road. Seat belt experts at Orion Safety Belts have put together a list of the 8 most dangerous driving mistakes. By avoiding these eight common driving mistakes, you can drastically reduce your chances of getting into an accident.
1. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
One of the most common – and dangerous – driving mistakes is running red lights and stop signs. It’s easy to get impatient when you’re stuck at a red light, but it’s not worth the risk. The consequences of running a red light can be severe, and you could end up hitting another car or pedestrian. Not to mention, it’s against the law. So what should you do when you’re stuck at a red light? Be patient and wait for it to turn green. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others.
2. Speeding
We’ve all been guilty of speeding at one point or another. While it may get you to your destination faster, it’s also one of the most dangerous things you can do while driving. Speeding increases your chances of losing control of your car and getting into an accident. And if you’re caught speeding, you could end up with a fine and points or even lose your license. So next time you’re tempted to go over the speed limit, consider the risks and take it slow. What is the hurry, anyway?
3. Distracted Driving
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with distractions. Whether it’s our phones, the radio, or passengers in the car, it can be hard to focus on the road. But distracted driving is dangerous and can lead to accidents. If you are tempted to pick up your phone while driving, remember that it can wait. It’s not worth risking your life or the lives of others. Now, if you must use your phone while driving, make sure to pull over to a safe location first. And always keep your eyes on the road so you can react to any potential hazards.
4. Driving Under the Influence
One of the most dangerous – and illegal – things you can do is drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you are caught driving while impaired, you could face serious consequences. Drinking and driving is a dangerous combination that can lead to accidents, injuries, and even death. If you’re going to drink, make sure to have a designated driver or take public transportation. And if you’re on medication, check the label to see if it will affect your ability to drive. Trust us; it’s simply not worth taking the risk.
5. Fatigued Driving
When we’re tired, it can be hard to focus on the road. But driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In fact, drowsy driving is the leading cause of accidents in the United Kingdom. If you’re feeling tired, pull over to a safe location and take a nap. It’s better to arrive late than not at all. When you’re well-rested, you can focus on the road and react to any potential hazards. It’s important to be aware of the dangers of drowsy driving and take precautions to avoid it.
6. Improper Turns
One common but often overlooked mistake is making improper turns. When you make a turn, you need to signal first and then check your blind spot. Failure to do so could lead to an accident. Always use your indicators to signal to let other drivers know what you’re doing. And take the time to check your blind spot before making any turns. It only takes a few seconds, but it could save your life. If you’re unsure of how to make a turn properly, practice in an empty parking lot first.
7. Not Yielding to Pedestrians
If there’s one rule we should all follow, it’s to yield to pedestrians. Whether they’re crossing the street or walking in a crosswalk, it’s our responsibility to make sure they get to their destination safely. If you see a pedestrian, slow down and give them the right of way. And if you’re turning, always check for pedestrians first. They have the right of way, so let them go first. It’s the courteous thing to do – and it could save a life.
8. Cutting Off Other Drivers
We’ve all been cut off by another driver at some point or another. And while it may be tempting to retaliate, it’s important to stay calm. Cutting off another driver is dangerous and puts everyone at risk. If you’re cut off, don’t honk your horn or make any sudden moves. Just let the other driver go and continue on your way. Let’s just hope that they will be more careful next time.
9. Texting while driving
Texting while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road and is illegal. It’s been proven to increase the risk of accidents, so it’s important to avoid it at all costs. If you must text, pull over to a safe location first, where you are allowed to park and turn off the car engine before touching your phone. When you’re behind the wheel, your full attention should be on the road. No matter how tempting it may be, resist the urge to text and drive.
Driving is a privilege, not a right. And with that privilege comes responsibility. By avoiding these 9 driving mistakes, you can become a safer driver and help make our roads a little bit safer for everyone. Do your part and avoid these driving mistakes. Just remember to always focus on the road and stay aware of your surroundings. And never hesitate to yield to pedestrians or other drivers. By following these simple tips, you can make sure everyone arrives at their destination safely. Now that we’ve gone over some of the most common driving mistakes, it’s time to hit the road. Drive safe and avoid these hazards at all costs.
