Bad Driving Habits
Buying a car means taking on the responsibility of being a good and safe driver. However, with millions of drivers on the road, bad driving habits are common. Bad driving habits are different than dangerous and illegal driving habits such as drinking and driving and speeding. This article is about the bad habits that are not necessarily illegal but can still be dangerous and inconsiderate to other drivers. In the U.S., there are more than 6 million accidents a year. The main cause is driver distraction. Even many of us who think of ourselves as good drivers have some of these bad habits:
- Talking on a cell phone: Using a cell phone while driving is rarely a necessity yet it is very common. It's distracting for several reasons. Looking down at your phone to dial, having only one hand on the wheel while using the other to hold the phone to your ear and the conversation itself all take the drivers attention away from the road. Using a hands free device helps but the conversation itself can still be a big distraction. Imagine getting into an argument with someone on the phone while driving, how focused will you be? Some states currently have bans or partial bans on using a cell phone while driving.
- Eating and drinking: Many people like to eat and drink while driving, especially on long trips. Fast food drive throughs make it easy and tempting to eat on the road. Eating and drinking while driving is not safe because of the fact that you have one or both hands off of the wheel, you could spill your food, drink, hot coffee, etc. onto your lap. If you want to eat in your car, the better choice is to eat your food in the restaurant parking lot.
- Grooming: Amazingly there are many people that have been seen applying make-up, shaving, brushing their hair and other grooming rituals on the road. These are things that should be done before leaving the house, not while driving. Looking in the mirror means to apply lipstick means you are not looking at the road.
- Driving in bad weather: Bad weather such as heavy rain or snow reduces visibility and traction. Try to stay at home during these conditions. If you feel you must go out, make sure to drive cautiously, with your headlights and defroster on. Drive more slowly and increase your following distance. Don't attempt to drive through a flooded section of road. The water may be deeper than it appears. It takes as little as two feet of water to sweep a vehicle off the road.
- Pets: There's nothing wrong with having pets in your car but having pets loose in the car can be dangerous unless the pet is well trained. Even then, it's still safer for both you and your pet if they are contained in a proper pet carrier. A loose pet could get over excited by something and jump onto your lap, bark, pee on the seat, etc. In an accident, a loose pet could easily be injured, being in a secured carrier will prevent them from getting tossed around the car.
- Reading: Reading anything while driving is not a good idea. If you need to look at a map for directions, it's best to just pull over. If you want to read the newspaper, do it after you've arrived at your destination.
Published on Friday, October 24, 2008 - Email to a friend
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