Everyone makes mistakes while behind the wheel. These include things like distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving in unsafe conditions. When these mistakes happen, learning from them is key. Once you master these common mishaps, you'll be a pro on the road.
Don't Drive Distracted
The easiest mistake for drivers to make is driving distracted. It's tough to fully disconnect from your phone and focus solely on the road. But using your phone is just one example of distracted driving. Other examples include:
Changing the radio
Eating or drinking
Talking to your passengers
You should always keep your phone out of reach unless you are using it for driving directions. If that's the case, turn off all of your notifications. Otherwise, eat before you get on the road, and only drink when you are fully stopped. Inform your passengers to avoid distracting you as well.
Stop Passing Improperly
There is never a reason to pass improperly. It doesn't matter how big of a hurry you're in — it is completely unsafe. If you pass improperly, especially in a low visibility area like a bend or hill, you run the risk of a serious head on collision.
Always pay attention to road markings if you are in a safe passing area. Look for either a full dotted line or a solid and dotted combination which signifies that you're allowed to pass. Any time you attempt to pass a vehicle, make sure you have plenty of space to execute the maneuver and have the visibility to ensure no vehicles are coming toward you.
Never Tailgate
Tailgating is an aggressive driving maneuver that leads to plenty of accidents. When you tailgate another vehicle, you don't have the time or space to react if the driver in front of you has to slam on their brakes. You're just asking for a rear-end collision.
Not only is your reaction time reduced, but you also cause the driver in front of you to feel endangered and potentially perform unsafe maneuvers. Always give yourself at least a three-second gap between you and the car in front of you.
Be Careful in Unsafe Conditions
If you're a newer driver, you might've never had a chance to practice in adverse weather conditions. Conditions like rain, snow, and fog all bring their own sets of challenges, but you can stay safe by slowing down, turning on your headlights, and increasing your following distance. Follow these specific tips for each condition:
Rain — Avoid driving through puddles and always be ready for hydroplaning.
Snow — Know what to do if you enter a slide or lose traction. Ice can be hard to spot, especially when hidden under snow.
Fog — Use your low beams or fog lights, never use high beams. They just make it harder to see.
Refrain from Driving Recklessly
Reckless driving is when you drive without concern for yourself or others on the road or their property. This includes driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, running stop signs, and anything else that is unsafe. Speeding alone killed 12,151 people in 2022, making it one of the most dangerous things you can do on the road.
Depending on what state you live in, the punishment for reckless driving ranges from a traffic violation to a misdeamenor. It is important to stay calm and focused when you're behind the wheel. If you aren't in the right mindset, don't drive until you are. Save a life.
Tips for Avoiding Mistakes
Now that you know what the most common mistakes are, here are the easiest ways to avoid them:
Slow down — You can avoid most mistakes by going the speed limit. This will give you time to react to any surprise situations.
Focus — Eliminate all distractions like phones or loud passengers. You'll be able to keep your attention fully on the road without them.
Drive defensively — Don't tailgate, speed, or drive too aggressively for the conditions you're in.
Take a Defensive Driving Course to Avoid These Common Mistakes
Defensive driving courses are the key to keeping yourself safe on the road. When you sign up for a defensive driving course, you'll learn local traffic laws, how to respond to road hazards, techniques to drive in adverse conditions, and ways to avoid distractions. Not only will these make you a safer driver, but you'll keep others from having to react to your mistakes. Sign up for a defensive driving course at IDriveSafely.com to get yourself on the road safely.
Updated 10/16/2024
