Bad Driving: Top 10 Worst Driving Habits

This is a list of what I feel are the most common bad driving habits. If you own a car then this list is going to sound familiar. If you drive a car then it's always the other driver that is guilty of these. Statistics don't lie and chances are you will be stuck in some type of traffic jam due to bad driving. A lot of these habits are preventable through defensive driving or using common sense.

10. No Turn Signal

No Rocket science needed for this one! I can't understand why drivers slow down instead of using a turn signal to alert the driver behind them that they want to get over in their lane. It's as if they feel that the other driver should be able to read their mind. There are also those drivers that put the turn signal on too late! The purpose of a turn signal is to alert all other drivers that you are going move in a certain direction. How hard is it to push up or down on the turn signal handle? Try this...Put on turn signal, then get over.

9. Talking while Driving

I don't recommend talking on the phone while driving but if you have to talk on the phone while driving why not use a hands-free device? Why do we still have drivers that refuse to buy a hands-free device? I recommend a Bluetooth or any wired hands-free device. They are a lot cheaper than a fender!

8. No Courtesy

It's a mean world. Sign up and take free "Agressive Road Rage" classes on a road near you. There is plenty of road and parking spaces for all of us. Don't contaminate the roads with this behavior. Get your road rage flu shot!

7. Ignore Traffic Signs

One word of advice: Obey!!! I see drivers on a daily bases ignore traffic signs. I tend to think that ignoring these signs will develop bad driving habits. It also sends signals of disrespect to the law and a bad example for your children! When it comes to STOP signs it seems most drivers pause or zoom right through the STOP signs before actually taking the time to stop and look. What if the day you decide to zoom through a stop sign, MackM decides to challenge the police force to a Car Chase through your intersection. Your car won't look the same if you ignored that sign. Traffic signs are there for your safety; don't put your safety and your wallet in jeopardy. Obey!

6. Pay Attention

Pay attention and listen up. Check those mirrors and those blind spots (turn head slightly). Look at the traffic in front of you, and around you. Look for stalled cars, pot holes and objects in the road. You can avoid wrecks, and stalled cars by paying attention to what's near and far from you. Make sure there are no distractions inside the car too. Babies crying, kids fighting or sending text messages may need your attention after you pull over and stop in a safe place. Think to be safe first! You can't drive in the back seat or while breaking up sibling quarrels. Insurance is good to have but not paying attention on the road could prove just how much your insurance appreciates your business.

5. Disrespect of the Weather and Road conditions

When the conditions change outside so should your driving. Due to rain, sleet, snow, or traffic, you may have to drive 45mph or 30mph instead of the norm. I know that's slow for some of us but this will help get you down road with both bumpers. Recently I recall a driver who passed me while it was raining (I was driving around 50mph). After a few minutes I recall seeing this driver spinning out a 1/2 mile up the road in the middle of the freeway. Common sense says you cannot drive the same speed limit, when it's raining as you do on a dry sunny day. New tires, name brand tires, sophisticated cars and trucks will not prevent you from having an accident on the road. When it comes to the conditions and elements versus your car let them win.

4. No Space

True or False? Did you know that you can tailgate a driver and dictate when he's going to slam on his breaks to save your front bumper? Why do we feel that it is ok (tailgate)? Oh that's right you own the road! That's called NASCAR! I'm sorry but the freeway is not NASCAR, and even though NASCAR drivers are professionals there is a wreck in every race. Create some space between you and other drivers.

3. Un-Buckled

Seat belts save lives! How hard is this? A crash at 30 mph without a seat belt is like falling off of a three-story building. It would be dumb, unwise, and almost suicidal to not lock your seat belt. If you grew up in the 80's then I'm sure you remember the Crash Dummy commercials. These commercials used crash dummies to spread the message of buckling up. Dummies never get hurt in crash test, however don't be a real life dummy, buckle up.

2. Drinking and Driving

This is suicide! I don't drink period, so I definitely absolutely, disagree with mixing alcohol and driving! One drink is too many!

1. Speeding

Speed kills! The faster you drive increases your chances of serious injury or death if you are involved in an accident. Also higher speeds results in reduced reaction time. Everyday someone dies in a fatal car crash and speed is one of the contributing factors. The speed limit shows us the allowed safe speed to drive. When you factor in traffic, rain, and other conditions, use of caution! A crash at 78 mph is twice as violent as one at 55 mph. What's the hurry? Our families, friends and employers depend on us; be safe, slow down and make it to your destination in one piece.

I know some of the items listed seem to be no-brainer, but as proven by so many accidents and deaths on the highways we are not using our brains. Be safe, use common sense and take defensive driving.

Some of the information provided can be found on various safety sites and by taking defensive driving courses.

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/ Texas Department of Transportation

http://www.defensivedriving.com/ Defensive Driving

http://www.safety-council.org/info/traffic/speed.html Canada Safety Council

http://www.safety-video-bmsh.com/drivingsafetyvideo.html Black Mountain Safety and Health