Driving motor vehicles is serious business. As much as we like to enjoy the thrill of the ride, certain actions put our lives and others in jeopardy. Traffic jams are irritating enough, and it doesn’t help when there are bad drivers behind or in front of you. Even with empty roads, collisions still happen. The problem lies in the driving technique. Since poor driving habits can lead to accidents, they are practically illegal. So, it is better to avoid them. Here is a list of what you should not do while driving.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
While it is a basic rule for all drivers, many dismiss or forget to do it. However, buckling up before starting the car is not optional. You can get serious head injuries if you are in an accident. Wearing seat belts keeps you in place in any impacts, provides safety, and works well with airbags for head trauma protection. You will also be fined or issued a ticket unless you wear it.
Substance Abuse
Drinking or smoking and driving are a recipe for disaster. According to a reputable law firm in South Carolina, most vehicle accidents happen because people drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When you are not sober, your vision, hearing, and reflexes are impaired. It is better to designate a sober driver or call a cab in case you are planning on a booze-fueled night out.
Forgetting to Signal
Several minor crashes can be avoided if people remember to signal when they change lanes. For instance, you should use a flickering signal in heavy traffic to let drivers know your intention. Other people cannot assume when you suddenly decide to take a turn, and it can cause severe accidents, particularly on bridges and highways.
Tailgating
Understandably, people want to get to places on time, but speeding is never a wise choice. Tailgating is one of the most common speeding results as drives feel frustrated to maintain the speed while leaving little to zero spaces between them and anything at the front. If someone makes a sudden stop, the drivers will likely crash right into them. Tailgating can also lead to road rage among the two parties involved. Sometimes, it can even be life-threatening to passersby or cyclers.
Cutting Other Cars Off
Real-life is not like a Fast and Furious movie, so weaving between lanes is not as slick as you think. It certainly seems convenient when you are in a rush and wish that all roads were clear, but it almost always ends in hazard. While other cars are not expecting the sudden turns and swerves, you can get into multiple crashes and even block the entire road.
Using the Phone
It is alarming how common using the phone while driving is. Even if it is in a split second, you should never use your phone on the road. You can use your car’s stereo to answer incoming calls if they are urgent, but the same cannot be said for texting. The notifications will still be there to check at any time, so there is no need to rush.
Ignoring Traffic Lights
At some point, almost everyone has ignored traffic lights while driving, but that doesn’t make it acceptable. They are there for a reason. Even if the road looks clear, you can never know what might suddenly come up. Pedestrians, cars, trucks, motorbikes, or even cops may appear out of nowhere. Keeping your eyes focused on the color of the traffic lights is highly important to avoid accidents.
Driving Tired
Similar to being drunk, tired driving is dangerous. If your body needs sleep, it will certainly get it. So, you do not have complete control while you are behind the wheel. Those insisting on driving while they are tired or sleeping have a high chance of waking up at the hospital. Tired drivers cannot physically do anything to avoid crashes during the moments before the collision. If you feel drowsy while driving, you should pull off and call someone to come get you. You might not make it on time, but better late than never.
Getting a driver’s license is certainly great, and steering the wheel does feel empowering. Driving should be handled with due care and attention otherwise, accidents can likely happen. Without supervision, it can be easy to indulge in bad habits absentmindedly. One simple look away from the road can end in disaster. With the guide provided here, you can protect yourself from falling into the slippery slope of bad driving habits.
