5 common driving mistakes to avoid

For many adults, driving feels like second nature. When you’ve been doing it for long enough, it’s easy to turn off your brain and just go through the motions. To keep yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe, it’s better to stay present and carefully consider each choice you make. 

To promote driver safety, we’ve listed five common driving mistakes and outlined a few best practices to avoid them. Keep reading to learn which actions to do and which to avoid doing when operating a vehicle. 

1. Failing to signal

When out on the road with other drivers, it’s not just your own vehicle you have to worry about. Communicating with fellow drivers is crucial to ensure everyone can exist harmoniously, even in high-traffic areas. 

Turn signals are a significant form of communication while driving, but you may be surprised to hear how often people neglect to use them. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, ¼ of the driving population fails to employ signals before turning. This mistake, though fairly common, can lead to automobile accidents. 

It’s an appropriate protocol to switch your turn signal on within 100 feet of an upcoming turn. Signaling in advance gives other drivers time to notice your turn signal, but signaling too early can create confusion about which turn you’re planning to take. 

Aside from turning, signals must also be used before switching lanes or when making a three-point turn. Once you get into the habit of signaling every time the law requires it, it will come as naturally to you as stopping for red lights. 

2. Tired driving

We’ve all been there: it’s early in the morning, still dark outside, and keeping your eyes open feels nearly impossible. This familiar situation is uncomfortable and can even become dangerous if you aren’t careful. Keeping your eyes open is the bare minimum, but safe driving also means staying alert. If you’re too sluggish to pay attention to road signs or to signal where appropriate, you aren’t in a state to drive safely. 

To avoid overly tired driving, prioritize getting 7-9 hours of sleep at night. Caffeine in the form of coffee or energy drinks can also offer a little jolt when needed. If you find yourself falling asleep at the wheel, don’t try pushing through to reach your destination. Instead, pull over and wait until you feel awake enough to drive. This may not be convenient, but it’s better than letting drowsiness take control and pave the way to disaster. 

3. Failing to check blind spots 

We’ve already covered the importance of signals, but signaling isn’t the only necessary step to follow when changing lanes. To ensure a safe transition from one lane to the next, drivers must first check their blind spots. 

Before changing lanes, start by checking your side and rearview mirrors to maneuver into the new lane safely. Many drivers stop after this point, but it’s imperative to follow up by checking your blind spot. Glance over your shoulder on the side you’re moving toward, and only proceed if the coast is clear. 

Many modern cars have built-in blind spot detection systems that will alert the driver if a vehicle is in their blind spot. Investing in a car with a blind spot monitor may be a safe decision if you’re often guilty of forgetting to check your blind spot. 

4. Speeding

No matter where you’re going, speeding does more harm than good. It’s impossible to do safely and can easily lead to collisions. Speed limits exist for a reason, and minding them is key to keeping yourself and others safe. 

If anxiety about lateness is what motivates you to speed, think about the horrific consequences that dangerous driving can have. Workplace tardiness is preferable to the injuries and fatalities that could result from a speed-induced car crash. 

Turning on cruise control can also help you avoid speeding, allowing you to set your car at a specific pace. As you drive, pay attention to changing speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly. When you drive at reckless speeds, you’re putting yourself and everyone else on the road at risk.

5. Driver distraction

This last mistake is a big one, and it often causes the other common errors on this list. Driving is an enormous responsibility: you’re behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, entirely in control of what it does and whether it causes damage. Even if driving comes easily to you, it’s essential to stay focused and aware of your surroundings, your choices, and the choices made by other drivers. 

Potential distractions like eating, talking, and using your cell phone may seem harmless, but excessive inattention can lead to serious accidents. Distraction is even more risky in high-stress situations like driving in heavy traffic or bad weather. 

To combat distraction, try to remove sources of it. This may mean putting your phone or take-out meals out of reach in the backseat. Switching off notifications can also be helpful, decreasing the likelihood that you want to check your phone. 

Distracted driving isn’t just a bad idea; it can be deadly. Limit the distractions facing you on the road so you can be a safer and more diligent driver. 

Shop for safety at Transwest  

Though some of these mistakes might sound inconsequential, even the most minor driving errors can result in catastrophe. At Transwest, we sell safe vehicles made by trusted brands like Ford and Chevrolet. If you’re looking for a new car that’s safe and stylish, shop our online inventory or visit a Transwest location today.