Everyone likes to believe that they have amazing driving skills. As a result, we criticise almost every driver around us, pointing out instances of their queer driving habits. However, if we monitor ourselves closely, we will notice that many of us exhibit some typical bad driving habits.
Given below are ten such annoying things about driving which have been established after research about the worst driving habits and the frequency in which they have occurred over a given time. Such annoying habits put off your co-drivers, pedestrians and your fellow passengers.
Talking over the phone
Almost all of us have had the experience of getting stuck behind someone who is so engrossed in the conversation over his phone that he forgets to drive the speed limit. No, sticking to the slow lanes is not the solution; refraining from using the phone while driving is. Phone conversations behind the wheel are one of the most annoying things about driving. It confuses your fellow drivers, increases the chances of accidents, and is a punishable offence by law.
Not using indicators
Indicators are there for a reason, and not using them portrays arrogance. They are used to denote if the diver intends to switch lanes, take a left or right turn or pause on a sideway only for a moment. However, numerous motorists do not feel the need to make optimum use of the indicators. One of the most annoying things about driving is not signalling promptly and appropriately so that fellow drivers are not confused or flabbergasted. Signalling after you have taken the turn ahead is of no use. Signalling is a good driving habit and can minimise the chances of a collision. The thumb rule is to first check your blind spot, switch your indicators and then turn.
Day Dreaming
There are plenty of daydreaming motorists who do not realise that their turning lane is approaching until the last minute when they attempt to cross several lanes of traffic, irritating and annoying everyone else around them. Ideally, in this case, one should drive away if the lane has been missed and then find a suitable turn to come around. Honking your way through is not good driving manners.
Leaving high beams on
Our vision is limited when we drive after dusk, so the less we see, the worse we drive. So when a car from the opposite direction flashes its headlights on your eyes, it is not only annoying you, it is also compromising your ability to drive carefully. High beams flash the driver’s eye, and he will be unable to place the position of the vehicle from the opposite direction, leading to accidents. Alternately, poor beams can also be fatal. Therefore, if the drivers in the opposite direction flash their headlights on you, and you cannot figure out why, then first check if your headlights are on and confirm that the high beam is turned off. If both of these aspects are okay, then you need to get a mechanic to check the alignment of your headlight.
Speeding and braking unnecessarily
There is no need to speed on a busy road when you know that you will soon have to slow down or stop at a traffic signal. However, many drivers in the UK do not understand this. Unnecessary speeding and braking consume more fuel and damage the car’s gears and clutch.
Weather conditions
No matter how experienced a driver you are, bad weather conditions could be one of the foremost annoying things about driving. Rainfall and waterlogging roads require the driver to be absolutely patient while driving the car to avoid skidding. Similarly, foggy days make it totally impossible to view the road ahead. Refrain from venturing out on such days unless absolutely necessary, and never forget to keep the fog light switched on for better viewing and navigation.
Unnecessary Beeping
No, unnecessary honking is not cool. In fact, it is one of the most annoying things about driving. It upsets pedestrians, fellow drivers, and your co-passengers. Honking contributes to noise pollution, and regular exposure to unnecessary noise causes nausea, headaches, and dizziness. Refrain from pressing the horns unnecessarily, especially near schools and hospitals, and use them once or twice until absolutely necessary.
Pacing to prevent other vehicles from passing
Some motorists do it consciously, while others do it unconsciously. Imagine if you are trying to pass a vehicle by speeding up, and suddenly, the other vehicle also speeds up and pulls ahead of you; how would you feel? Alternatively, if you have slowed down to let fellow speeding drivers cross you, and you realise they have slowed down too, naturally, you will feel frustrated. Such annoying driving habits have no reasons and no explanations.
Tailgating
Climbing on someone’s vehicle’s tailpipe falls under one of the annoying things about driving. Some motorists do this purely out of bad driving practice, while the rest do not even realise what they are doing. If you are being tailgated, you have two options. One, you could slow down and let the tailgater pass you. Two, you can pull your brakes so that he cares to back off, although it is not advisable as it might lead to a collision.
Inappropriate parking
It takes a lot of experience to park straight and smart. Unfortunately, most motorists do not know how to park on parking slots, sidewalks, and roadsides. Either they take up two or more slots, preventing the other cars from finding a free slot, or they do not set their front wheels in place, which disrupts the vehicle’s momentum. Thankfully, most new cars are equipped with parking sensors and assistance, which can be a huge saviour in such circumstances.
If you are sitting behind the wheel, you are required to be calm, mindful, and observant. Accidents might be impossible to eradicate, but they can be minimised if every motorist maintains the above aspects and diligently follows the road safety rules. Let us make the roads safer for ourselves, our fellow drivers, and everyone else who is out there.