Are You Making These Risky Driving Mistakes Without Realizing?

Driving is something most of us do daily, so much so that it becomes second nature. Familiarity breeds carelessness, and even the most experience driver sometimes makes a mistake without realizing just how risky that is. Those small habits or oversights could very well endanger you, your passengers, and other road users.

Here are some drives that are common in our day-to-day lives but may put our lives in danger if we go on with them without a second thought.

1. Rolling Through Stop Signs

Rolling through stop signs is a common occurrence. The driver approaches the stop sign, slows down but does not come to a complete halt before proceeding. The so-called rolling stop is illegal and also dangerous; a full stop helps assess cross traffic and pedestrians and cyclists who may be less visible.

2. Driving Too Close to the Car in Front (tailgating)

A number of drivers tend to underestimate distance needed to stop safely. Driver following too close gives him or her very little time to react if the car in front braked suddenly. Maintain a three-second gap between your car and the car in front; more so during bad weather.

3. Not Checking the Blind Spot

Modern cars sometimes come equipped with a blind spot monitor, but one needs to remember that nothing beats a quick look over the shoulder. Mirrors and sensors alone will not always alert you to the presence of a car, motorcycle, or bicycle in your blind spot when you intend to change lanes.

4. Getting the Turn Signals All Wrong

Not giving a signal or using it late confuses other drivers and leads to increased chances of collisions. A turn signal is not a mere courtesy; it is one of the very few communication channels that let people know what you intend to do long before you actually do it.

5. Driving with Distractions

Maybe you don't text, but there are other things that can pull your attention away. Eating, adjusting your GPS, reaching for something, or conversing with passengers are all distractions. A few seconds of distance of attention might be everything to cause a serious accident.

6. Thinking Too Much of Yourself

Speeding, won’t do the trick, in rain, snow, ice, and fog, to keep you and yours safe out there in the storm. Many drivers assume that their good tires or even a competent AWD system will keep them reasonably safe, but that is never the way it happens. So adjust your driving technique to the conditions.

8.Not Checking Tire Pressure or Tread

Many drivers look past their tires until something goes wrong. Underinflated or worn-out tires provide less grip, increase stopping distances, and heighten the risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure and tread regularly to ensure your safety.

How Can You Get Rid of These Habits?

Firstly, awareness is needed. Engage in a frank review of your own driving habits and look for some of these common errors. You may also want to consider taking a defensive driving course as a refresher. Above all else, safety will always come before convenience.

In Conclusion

You may think that you're invincible while driving, but that does not mean that one cannot make errors. By getting rid of these dangerous habits, you can ensure your safety, that of your passengers, and basically the safety of every person on the road.