Many of us have been guilty of committing a driving mistake after getting our driver’s license. Any journey, no matter the distance, needs concentration and attention, so you have to know how to recognize and eliminate driving mistakes that put you and other motorists at risk. We’ve analyzed what many drivers do wrong, and we’re going over how to avoid these common mistakes.
Misadjusted seats and mirrors
Many drivers don’t adjust their mirrors correctly, which can lead to a collision by hitting a car in a blind spot. As modern cars come standard with electronic assistance, adjusting your side and interior mirrors won’t be difficult. Remember that you don’t need to see the door handles of your car or rear wheels, but other cars approaching and driving closely to you. Even if your mirrors are positioned properly, don’t forget to check your blind spots.
Another common driving mistake is an improperly adjusted driver’s seat. Your arms should be slightly bent at your elbows and your legs bent at your knees, with easy access to all the pedals and steering wheel.
Speeding up at yellow lights
Yellow lights mean you should come to a stop at the intersection, not rush through to beat the light. Never speed up when you see the lights changing, otherwise, an accident can happen if you end up in the intersection after the light turns red. You may get T-boned, which can lead to serious damage to both you and your car.
Driving with high beams on
Driving with high beams is appropriate when you’re going through a poorly-lit area, but not in a city. You can blind others driving in front of and towards you. A few seconds of blindness are more than enough to cause a risky situation on the road. Every time you’re driving at dusk, check the indicators on your dashboard. If you see a blue headlamp sign, switch the light to standard. Driving with your headlights on is a must in the evening and at nights, as running lights aren’t bright enough to help you see and be seen.
Ignoring low tire pressure
As we mentioned in a previous blog, keeping your tires properly inflated is an integral part of driving safety. Worn-out tires don’t provide enough grip on road surfaces, which can result in poor braking and diminished performance. Driving on underinflated tires is by far more dangerous: you can damage the discs, the suspension, or worse – get in an accident. Follow the instructions in the driver’s manual regarding the manufacturer recommended pressure and how to swap out your tire.
Distraction while driving
Distracted driving is one of the biggest factors for car accidents worldwide. Control of the car, the passengers you’re with, and safety have to be your primary concerns when you’re driving. Texting, talking on the phone, or changing music via apps take your attention off of the road. When you’re distracted, your reaction speed decreases. If you need to answer a phone call while driving, buy a hands-free gadget, like Bluetooth.
Not using turn signals
Turn signals are an essential safety feature. Their main purpose is to let other motorists know where you’re going. Switching on turn signals is a must when you’re maneuvering, otherwise other drivers won’t know that you’re attempting to deviate from your course.
Keeping one hand off the steering wheel
This can be dangerous since you won’t have stable control over the car. You aren’t only responsible for your life and safety, but for others who share the road with you. Keep your hands on the wheel, in standard “10” and “2” or “9” and “3” positions, so this guarantees you are in control of everything.
Driving too fast
Another culprit is fast driving: over 30% of fatal accidents are caused by speeding. Both in the USA and in Europe there are speed limits in cities and on highways. Speeding can not only lead to tickets and fines but is very likely to contribute to a crash. You can be on time wherever you’re going within the set speed limit: all your need is to plan your route beforehand.
Sudden stops
Abrupt braking is another common driving mistake. When you brake suddenly, drivers behind you don’t have the chance to react quickly, which can lead to a collision. This goes hand-in-hand with speeding and following vehicles too closely.
Driving too close to other vehicles
A common mistake drivers make is not keeping ample room between them and the vehicle in front of them. You’ll have to keep at least 80-165 feet (in a city and on the highway accordingly) distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. That way, if the driver in front of you makes any sudden maneuvers or stops, you’ll have enough time to properly react to avoid an accident.
Wrap Up
Salvagebid is here to help you avoid these common driving mistakes for a stress-free commute. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel, start with our Vehicle Finder where we have an extensive inventory of clean and salvage title cars for sale. To start bidding, just register with us by providing some basic information or by using your Facebook or Google account. To complete your registration, you’ll have to provide us with a copy of your passport or government-issued ID and place a refundable security deposit. To reach us you can fill out our contact form or call us at + 1 (360) 347-1300 (6:00 AM – 3:00 PM Pacific Standard Time, Monday to Friday.)
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