How’s my driving? Ten common driving mistakes

- Published: June 3, 2009

As drivers, we all have habits we bring with us in a vehicle. A proper training program can help a driver recognize safe driving habits; as well as identify unsafe driving habits.

The following are ten common mistakes drivers make that lead to motor-vehicle collisions. (according to the American Automobile Association). 

1. Inattention

Loose objects in the vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, eating or drinking, passengers, sounds, applying make-up or shaving, other vehicles, cell phone, reading, emotional and physical stress or anything that is really bothering you, are some things that can pre-occupy your mind and distract attention from the thinking part of driving. When driving ignore the unimportant and remember that your immediate task is to drive safely and arrive alive.

2. Excessive speed

Speeding has a serious effect on a driver's ability to react to any potential road hazards so constantly monitor your speed, read your road signs and drive to conditions. Remember the maximum speed that is posted, is the maximum speed under ideal conditions.

3. Failure to wear seat belts

Always wear your seat belt and to avoid any projectiles,secure any loose objects inside the vehicle.. Adjust the seat belt properly. Place the lap belt as low as possible over the hips - not over the abdomen. Ensure the shoulder belt lies on the chest and over the shoulder. Do not leave any slack in the belt. Also make sure all your passengers are also buckled in.

4. Distraction inside of vehicle

When driving, driving should you be your only job. Plan your trip ahead of time, pull over some place safe to read a map or talk on the phone.

5. Inadequate defensive driving techniques

Whenever possible leave the left lane for passing. Scan all intersections and crosswalks ahead of time. Drive to conditions, stay out of other driver’s blind spots and always drive with your headlights on, even during daylight hours.

6. Incorrect assumptions about other roadway users

Watch for feedback from other road users, look for things such as body actions or gestures and vehicle positioning. Expect the unexpected, always leave yourself a path of escape - a way to avoid a collision. Position your vehicle so that you keep a margin of space around it. Drive in the lane of least resistance and even when faced with obvious hazards, continue to scan for other hazards.

7. Tailgating or not leaving enough space between vehicles

Rear-end crashes are the number 1 collision in urban areas, to avoid this type of collision always keep at least a 3 second following distance. Watch the vehicle ahead pass a fixed object, like a road marking or telephone post, and start to count one-thousand-and-one, one-thousand-and-two, and so on. If you reach the object before counting to one-thousand-and-three, you are following too closely. When weather, road or traffic conditions are poor, double your following distance.

8. Driving while fatigued, angry, or impaired by alcohol or other drugs

To overcome fatigue; be well rested before starting on a trip, wear good quality eye protection, avoid overeating and heavy foods, and take a break at least every 2 hours. Proper planning will help to avoid frustrating traffic situations. Understand you can’t change others driving habits and that all drivers make mistakes. If taking medication, be sure to follow directions on the prescription and never drink any alcohol and drive.

9. Failure to check blind spot before changing lanes

Prior to any lateral move always mirror check and check the blind spot. The proper procedure is to mirror check, shoulder check, signal and shoulder check again prior to any lateral movement of your vehicle. Also make sure all your lights on the vehicle are working, clean and visible.

10. Failure to allow enough time or space to merge, leave or cross

Always look well ahead and keep a 360 degree zone awareness, be patient and keep space, a driver about to enter a highway marked by a “merge” need not stop the vehicle but shall take all necessary precautions to merge safely with vehicles on the intersecting road.