12 Common Driving Mistakes
Everyday, drivers make little mistakes both in the way that they drive and how they use their car. These mistakes can be easily avoided, and everyone should remain vigilant while operating a vehicle.
Whether you are making mistakes out of habit, lack of awareness or indifference to the other vehicles around you, everyone should try to be aware of and correct these errors.
The following are some of the most common driving mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Keeping appropriate distance in traffic
When stopping behind a car, you must make sure that you are able to see their bumper. By leaving this space, If another driver goes into the back of you, you will not get launched into the person in front of you.
Leaving this space also allows you enough room to manoeuvre around them in the case that they break down.
2. Stand on your breaks
Don’t be afraid to stand on your breaks if you have to. This will not cause them to lock up, and you should always try to remember to break early to avoid sharp breaking.
3. Check your tyres
The condition of your tyres are important and should be monitored. You should maintain the correct tyre pressure and check them once a month. The legal limit for tyre tread is 1.6mm.
When tyres are worn to this level, they need to be replaced.
4. Use button shortcuts
Make sure to make full use of steering wheel mounted controls. This can help you to keep your eyes on the road and can result in less accidents. Keeping your focus on driving is important.
5. Turn the radio down
Even though everyone loves a singalong, driving with your radio loud inhibits your ability to judge speed, as well as affecting your reaction time. It also masks engine noise.
6. Blind spots
Alongside checking your own blind spots when necessary, being aware of where other drivers’ blind spots are can help you to reduce the chance of accidents. It also can reduce incidents of road-rage.
7. Sitting correctly
Just because you are sitting comfortably does not necessarily mean its right. Your left leg should not be fully extended when your foot is on the clutch.
Your arms should not be fully extended when your hands are in the 10 to 2 position. Your headrest should be inline with the head and you should have unobstructed view of your instruments.
8. Air recirculation
Rules for the most economical use is to use air recirculation during the summer to lower the ambient temperature of your car before you set off. In winter, you should not use it.
9. Poor signalling
At roundabouts, signal to turn off just as you pass the penultimate exit. If your exist is more than 180 degrees from your entry point, you should indicate right.
10. Hydration
Keep your fluids topped up. Hydration equals concentration.
11. Avoid driving when Fatigued
It can be dangerous to drive when sleep-deprived or suffering from exhaustion. In order to avoid this, you should practice healthy sleeping habits and follow a balanced diet.
12. Stay updated on the Highway Code
Make sure that you are up to date with the latest changes and additions to the highway code. It is essential reading for all drivers, and you may be fined, given penalty points on your license or be disqualified from driving if you disobey the rules.
You can read the full updated version of the Highway Code, free of charge, on the GOV.UK website.
Useful links:
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