I'll admit it: Before moving to a big city with a subway system, I wasn't exactly known as the world's best driver. Mailboxes and trees really liked to jump out at me when I was behind the wheel.
But no matter how skilled someone thinks they are with their vehicle, chances are they've made at least one of the all too common driving mistakes listed below. Some folks are intentionally throwing caution to the wind with their dangerous driving tactics, while others are simply overlooking obvious issues that should never be ignored.
You might be surprised by just how many of these common errors you could be making without realizing just how vulnerable it makes you and others on the road.
Let us know if we missed any huge mistakes you've seen drivers make, whether they realize it or not.
And be sure to SHARE all these driving mistakes with your loved ones to keep them safe on the road!
1. Driving On Low Tire Pressure
Even if you have an indicator light for the tire pressure on your dashboard, you should still be regularly checking it — especially before any long trips or after a drastic weather change. Not only will this help avoid blowouts or loss of control, but maintaining proper pressure can also save you money at the gas pump.
2. Running On The Wrong Fuel
Unless your car specifies the need for premium fuel, using that slightly pricier option won't make a difference in your car's performance. In fact, using higher-octane fuel than your car is built for can cause it to run incorrectly.
It is best to go with the octane that your manufacturer recommends to keep things functioning as they should.
3. Misadjusting Rear- And Side-View Mirrors
The inside mirror should have a full view of the back window when moving just your eyes, not your head. For drivers over six feet tall, the American Automobile Association recommends flipping the mirror upside down if possible to get a couple extra inches of reflection to alleviate blind spots.
Both of the side mirrors should also be pointed wide enough to view any potential blind spots, just barely showing the side of your car.
4. Driving Slowly In The Passing Lane
Regular highway drivers all know the frustration of getting behind someone in the farthest left lane who is not only going slower than the maximum limit, but perhaps even slower than the minimum limit.
Whether that driver is simply unaware of the rule that the lane is meant for those passing quickly along their commute or is being overly cautious, they aren't just making their fellow commuters upset — they could also end up getting pulled over and paying a fine in certain states.
5. Accelerating Too Much
Obviously, high-speed driving can be a reckless habit that puts yourself and the other drivers on the road in seriously vulnerable positions — but putting the pedal to the metal too often can also cost you more by decreasing your car's gas mileage.
6. Using Headlights At Night Only
Flipping them on during inclement weather like heavy rain or snow is always a must — and in some states, legally enforced — but studies have shown that keeping them on at all times can help reduce the chances of collision by up to 10 percent.
It won't affect your gas mileage, so there's also no reason not to keep them on.
7. Sitting Too Far Back Behind The Wheel
You might feel more comfortable with the extra leg room, but that can also cause a lack of control and delayed reaction time when a sudden issue appears on the road or from within your vehicle.
8. Switching Lanes While Turning
I know I've been guilty of this, but the attempt to save time can be seriously dangerous if the other cars don't realize what you're doing in that split second — it's better for everyone to wait until you've made the turn to signal the lane switch.
9. Speeding Up At Yellow Lights
Obviously, we all know the middle light is meant to signal us to slow down in preparation of the red stop light, but all too often a driver will take the reverse tactic and speed right through to avoid being held up.
It's also the most major cause of intersection collisions, causing super-destructive T-bone accidents and injuries.
10. Ignoring School Zone Signs On Weekends
While most areas only enforce the rule during school sessions, there are others who maintain speed cameras 24/7 that can cause drivers to get ticketed no matter what time of day or year it is. So it's important to pay very close attention to the signs.
11. Trying To Drive Through Too Much Water
Extremely large and deep puddles can cause damage to your vehicle. According to the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), even so-called "all-terrain" SUVs are susceptible to floating away when it comes to intense flash floods suddenly causing the water to rise over two feet, and it's often difficult to judge depth just by looking at water.
Did we miss any common mistakes you've seen people make while behind the wheel?
Let us know in the comments and be sure to SHARE these important tips with your loved ones!
