After a driver becomes comfortable on the road, it’s not an uncommon occurrence to slip into a few bad driving habits. Even though this is a commonality among drivers, it’s something we should all be aware of. Bad driving habits lead to dangerous accidents, costly traffic violations, and many more hazards. Check out this list of bad driving habits to break immediately to keep our roads safer.
Skipping Signals
Turn signals exist for a reason—to give others on the road time to prepare for your next move. A rear-end collision is a likely result of not signaling before you slow down to make a turn.
Riding the Brakes
If you’re a white-knuckle type of driver, you’re probably familiar with this bad driving habit. Keeping your foot on the brake pedal might be causing excess strain on your brakes. Not only is riding the brakes difficult for others around you to adjust to, but it may also cost you more in brake repairs over the years.
Driving on Empty
We’ve all been there before—it’s been a long day at work and you don’t want to stop for gas. You can make it home on the fuel you have, but it’s hardly enough. Although, in older fuel pumps, the gasoline acts as a coolant. By driving with low fuel in your car, there is less fluid to help cool the engine.
Ignoring the Speed Limit
Just like turn signals, the speed limit is there for a reason. Whether you’re a speed demon or believe that slow and steady wins the race, sticking to the speed limit gives you more time to react to changing traffic patterns as they occur.
Rolling Through Stop Signs
Even if the road seems all clear, you never know when another car might appear, especially when it’s not a four-way stop. Take a couple extra seconds to come to a complete stop before moving ahead, just in case.
We all have a bad driving habit or two that could be putting us or others on the road in danger. Stay conscious of these bad driving habits to break immediately to stay safe on the roads.
