A bad driving habit is any driving habit that is illegal, unsafe, or unnecessarily damaging to your vehicle. Almost all of us are guilty of one or two bad driving habits. Learning to kick these bad habits can help you avoid problems in the future. Below are a few examples of bad habits to steer clear of.
Using your mobile phone while driving
This is one of the most dangerous bad driving habits. Whether you’re texting, making a call, selecting a song or fiddling with the GPS, it’s never safe to use your phone while driving, because you’ll inevitably have to take your eyes off the road and hands away from the wheel. On top of this, you could face severe penalties if you’re caught.
Most cars nowadays have Bluetooth, allowing you to answer calls hands-free, which is much less distracting. For any phone activities that require holding your phone, it’s always best to pull over. If you’re too easily tempted to grab your phone, consider getting into the habit of putting your phone somewhere out of reach while driving (like in the boot).
Eating while driving
Eating while driving can be just as dangerous as using a mobile phone, because you often have to use both hands and may have to take glances at the food you’re eating. It’s technically not illegal in the UK, but you can still be fined if it causes you to drive carelessly.
As with using your phone, it’s safest always to pull over to eat. The same goes for opening drinks bottles, smoking or using any tools.
Excessively speeding
Most people are guilty of this one at some point. It’s rarely dangerous to go a few MPH over the limit. However, if you’re regularly exceeding the speed limit by 10 MPH or more, it might be time to ease off the gas. Speed limits are put in place for a reason – even if you’re a confident driver at speed, it only takes one other bad driver to make a wrong move, and you may not be able to react in time. On top of this, you’ll get points on your license if you’re caught by a surprise police officer or speed camera.
If you regularly speed because you’re running late, start setting off earlier (resist the urge to leave earlier for work just so that you can sleep in longer). If you like to speed for the thrill of it, consider whether there could be a safer way to get your thrills.
Tailgating
Tailgating involves driving close behind the driver in front. The reason this is a bad habit is pretty obvious – if the driver needs to make an emergency stop, you won’t be able to react in time and will go straight up the back of them.
Even if you’re stuck behind a slow driver, resist the urge to tailgate so that you’re certain you can brake in time if they suddenly stop. What if someone is tailgating you? In this case, stay at the speed limit (don’t let them force you to speed up) and pull over to let them pass when you can. If you do have to stop suddenly and they end up hitting you, hiring a car accident lawyer is always an option (having a rear-facing dashcam will help your cause).
Not using indicators
Those pretty flashing lights on the side of a vehicle aren’t just for show. While sometimes your position on the road can tell drivers where you’re going, it’s always a good habit to use your indicators just to confirm this. Not using indicators can make it hard for drivers to know what you’re about to do, and can lead to accidents.
Indicators broken? It’s still possible to stick your hand out the window and make signals in this instance. Make sure that you get your indicator lights repaired immediately, as continuing to drive with them not working is illegal.
Driving under the influence
This is another obvious one, but one that is surprisingly common. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, any substance is best avoided if you’re planning on driving – it’s a massive cause of fatal accidents, and you could lose your license if you’re caught and over the limit.
Going somewhere and thinking you may drink alcohol? Take an Uber or get someone who is not drinking to give you a lift. If you’re staying over somewhere, make sure that you’re not still feeling intoxicated the next day.
Driving while tired
Many of us have driven while feeling a bit tired, and this may not be too much of an issue if it’s a short journey. Driving while tired can become dangerous if you’re struggling to stay awake or if you’re already feeling tired at the beginning of a long journey.
Pulling over and getting some sleep is safer than continuing and potentially falling asleep at the wheel. If you’re only feeling a bit tired, you may be able to wake yourself up by playing music loudly or cracking open the window.
Lane hogging
Lane hogging is when a driver stays in the wrong lane on a motorway (typically the middle or right lane) and goes too slowly as to obstruct traffic.
Technically, if there are no vehicles in the far left lane (slow lane) on a motorway, you should always use this lane. The middle lane and right lane are for overtaking. Sitting in these lanes – especially at a slow speed – can stop other drivers from passing. Of course, you shouldn’t speed in these lanes either.
Driving over potholes
Potholes should always be avoided where possible. Driving over them can potentially damage your tyre or suspension. In fact, they’re a major cause of blowouts.
Take your time to swerve around potholes and other obstacles to preserve the life of your car and avoid unwanted accidents. Slowing down enough for speed bumps is also important for protecting your wheels and suspension.
Illegally parking with hazards
Hazard lights should only be used to alert other road users of a hazard (such as having to slow down sharply for an obstacle ahead or alerting other drivers that there is a problem with your vehicle). Your hazard lights button is not the ‘park anywhere button’ as some people seem to use it – this is a leading cause of unnecessary congestion and accidents.
Always take extra time to find somewhere safe and legal to park.
