subject: The Worst Driving Habits [print this page] The Worst Driving Habits The Worst Driving Habits
Everyone has been there. You're running late for an appointment, work or to pick up the kids. Being disorganised is clearly one factor that leads to poor driving habits, but it's certainly never an excuse. But what are the worst driving habits?
Well, to many, applying make-up behind the wheel is the worst. This is especially true in the mornings during peak traffic. Women go to great lengths to look respectable for work, and if they don't have time to do their make-up at home, they will often finish it off in the car. Some will try to complete their full make-up regime by applying mascara at the traffic lights, or lipstick while driving along the motorway. This is obviously not safe driving for one thing, you'll end up with lipstick all over your face, but more importantly, you might not even turn up at work, so it's important to avoid doing this.
Many people also drive while reading. Okay, so you're probably not going to be reading a novel while driving, but you could be looking at a map or directions on how to get somewhere. Looking down at your lap every 2 seconds is more likely to see you smash into the car in front rather than arrive at your destination. It is far safer to use a GPS system.
Sending text messages while driving. Don't do it! Each year people are killed on the roads, often due to the other car's driver trying to send a text message while driving. If you need to send a text message, pull over in a safe place. The same goes for reading incoming text messages.
Changing the radio station while driving is also a bad habit, but it's one that most car drivers have been guilty of. Taking your hand off the wheel and your eyes off the road while trying to change the station or change a CD is a major distraction that kills hundreds of people each year. If you've got someone in the car with you, ask them to do it for you, otherwise pull over when you can, and change it then.
On a similar theme, listening to loud music in the car is never a good idea. This is especially true when driving through an intersection where you haven't got a clear view around the bend. If you can't see what's coming, you should at least be able to hear, so turn down the music, put the window down, and listen out for any cars that might be coming.
Eating and drinking. Again, this might be due to poor time management. People are rushing from one place to another, and they feel that the only time they can eat is behind the wheel. For one thing, it is bad for your digestion, and more importantly it could cause a major accident. Eat before you go, and don't drink hot drinks in the car!
Forgetting to indicate is one of the worst driving habits. Show other drivers where you are going, and give plenty of notice, especially on a motorway, otherwise you might end up having someone crash into you from behind, and then you both might need car window repairs at best, and a fatal accident at worse.
Distracted driving is one of the largest cause of accidents and fatalities on the road. So if you can avoid as many distractions as possible, and improve your time management, you will not only enjoy driving more, but you will hopefully avoid causing an accident.
