Everyone has different driving habits – good and bad.
However, some drivers may have a few more bad habits than others and not even realize it. While sometimes dangerous driving habits can stem from being a new driver without experience, often times poor driving habits can be the result of long-time drivers feeling overconfident.
Regardless of how long you have been on the road, you should never stop paying attention to what is going on around you while driving. Something unexpected can happen in just a few seconds. These are the top 11 dangerous driving habits – are you guilty?
Using Your Cell Phone While Driving
21% of all accidents in the USA are attributed to drivers being on their cells phones while driving.
This makes it one of the of the most dangerous driving habits. Between spending the day answering emails, talking on the phone, checking social media and more – we are wired to our phones. However, if you are fiddling with your phone while driving, you are not paying attention to the road – both your eyes and your mental attention are distracted. Remember – that text, tweet, or phone call can wait until you arrive at your destination safely, or you are putting your safety at risk and may not arrive at all.
Related: 6 Car Care Myths vs. Car Care Reality
Related: National Car Care Month
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence is one of the leading causes of car accident fatalities.
Driving under the influence compromises your decision-making skills, judgment, perception, and reaction time. Always choose a designated sober driver and never let a friend drive under the influence if you have been drinking.
Tired Driving
Driving when you are tired, or feeling drowsy, can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Your body needs sleep to survive, and to keep your mind sharp. If you are driving while exhausted, your reaction time will be slower – and in severe cases, you may even fall asleep at the wheel.
If you are planning a long drive make sure you get a good nights sleep and have scheduled in regular rest stops.
Related: 5 Safe Driving Tips You Never Think Of – Infographic
Speeding
Speeding is a habit that nearly every driver is guilty of at some point. Speeding reduces your ability to maintain complete control over your car and increases the distance needed to stop safely. Know the rules of the road and always obey the posted speed limits.
Accelerating Through Yellow Lights
It can be tempting to accelerate through a yellow light to avoid having to stop.
However, this can be a very dangerous habit. Often when a driver speeds through a yellow light they don’t quite make it before the light turns red. Traffic lights are often timed differently based on location, some lights may be longer or short than others. This may lead you to think that you have time to make the light when you really don’t. So, not only are you holding up other drivers who now have a green light, it can lead to major collisions from drivers who don’t expect you to still be in the intersection. If the light turns yellow – do the responsible thing and slow down.
Eating While Driving
Eating while driving may seem convenient.
With how little time we often have in our busy lives, it can be tempting to try and multi-task and have a snack while you are driving. When you are behind the wheel your full attention should be on driving, and both of your hands should be on the steering wheel. Trying to eat, while keeping your eyes on the road and both hands on the wheel is a near impossible task.
Driving Without a Seatbelt
Seatbelts are the most effective way to prevent injuries in the case of an accident.
Your car’s airbag system is designed to work in conjunction with your seatbelts. In the event of an accident, your seatbelt can prevent you from jerking forward causing injury – and in extreme cases may prevent you from being tossed through your car’s windshield. Most modern cars come equipped with a seatbelt alarm, basically, a beeping sound that will continue to go off in your car until you buckle up.
Always remember to put your seatbelt on before beginning to drive. You should be wearing the lap belt low across your hips and the shoulder belt over your collarbone and away from your neck.
Putting on Makeup or Changing Clothes
When pressed for time, we often find our morning routines being cut short.
Many people combat this by getting ready in their cars – putting on makeup, changing clothes or doing their hair while driving. If you are engaging in any of these activities while driving, your focus is not on the road. While staring at yourself in the mirror to apply your mascara you could miss seeing the brake lights ahead of you or children walking in the crosswalk.
Driving with Headphones
The average driver has two ways to determine what is going on while driving – sight, and sound.
If you are driving with headphones on that takes sound out of the equation. If you are unable to hear what is going on around you while you are driving you may miss a horn honking, emergency vehicle sirens, the screech of brakes, and more.
Driving with Your Knees
When you learn to drive, any good driving instructor will teach you to keep your hands on the wheel at 10 and 2. There’s a good reason for this – the 10 and 2 position allows for the most control over your car. If you are driving with your knees, your hands aren’t on the wheel at all – and you risk losing control of the wheel.
Not Using Turn Signals
Your turn signal is your way to communicate with the other drivers on the road.
They give other drivers a warning of your intention to change lanes or make a turn. Failing to signal to other drivers can cause an accident – as your behavior will be less predictable.
Safe Driving with AAMCO Minnesota
At AAMCO Minnesota we want you to stay safe on the road. This means that not only should you practice safe driving habits, but also your car should be in good working order. Our certified technicians can handle any transmission repair or rebuild, as well as auto repair and maintenance service for your vehicle.
Take advantage of our special offers – we offer a free multi-point inspection that includes a complete computer scan and road test. Don’t be caught off-guard and find yourself in danger while driving. Schedule an appointment with your local AAMCO Minnesota location today.