Becoming aware of unsafe practices at the wheel is imperative to stay safe on the road. Thus, this post by Synthetic Motorsports in Perry will go over some of the most common bad driving habits to avoid.
Driving is part of our daily lives as car owners. Thus, we must take full responsibility for our practices at the wheel to stay safe on the road. Despite that, many of us fall into poor driving habits that can put us and others at risk.
Needless to say, poor driving habits lead to dire consequences: from a higher likelihood of getting a ticket to an accident. Thus, this post will explore common bad driving habits and provide tips on avoiding them.
Remember, safe driving begins with you, so read on to break any unsafe driving habits you may have picked up over the years.
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Top Bad Driving Habits to Avoid
Improper Car Maintenance
Neglecting car maintenance can lead to a higher likelihood of breakdowns. It can also cause a car to decrease its fuel efficiency and resale value. Still, many of us have postponed car service appointments due to a lack of time or money. Such oversight becomes more expensive over time, though. After all, an unkempt car equals costly repairs if it's not rendered inoperable.
So, to avoid dire consequences, schedule and perform the service procedures your car needs as described in your owner's manual. This way, you'll have peace of mind of knowing that your vehicle is reliable and safe to drive.
Distracted Driving
There's no denying that distracted driving is dangerous. So much so that the NHTSA states that 3,142 people died in distraction-affected crashes in 2020.
Texting, eating, or chatting with passengers are typical examples of distracted driving. To cut distractions in the car, keep your phone silent, maintain the cabin tidy, and plan your routes. But more importantly, keep your hands at the wheel and your eyes and mind on the road.
Ignoring Traffic Signs
Speeding, running lights, or making illegal turns are unsafe driving practices to avoid. Yet, some drivers purposely ignore traffic signs when trying to take shortcuts or avoid traffic jams. Regardless, neglecting road signs increases the chances of colliding with other people. Plus, it entails the risk of being fined or ticketed. So, to avoid dealing with such implications, always obey traffic signs. Doing so will make you a safer, smoother driver.
Some car owners think this practice helps their cars warm up during winter. Likewise, many drivers idle when stuck in traffic or waiting in drive-thru lanes. The reality is idling wastes fuel and increases air pollution. When you idle your rig, you are burning fuel but not moving, which is inefficient. Thus, it is best to turn off the engine. A good rule of thumb is to shut off your engine whenever your car is stationary for more than 10 seconds.
Misuse of the Pedals
Putting the pedal to the metal can be a dangerous driving habit. On the one hand, it hurts fuel economy and boosts emissions. On top of that, slamming on the pedals increases the likelihood of an accident, as other drivers may not be able to react to the sudden change in speed. Given all these drawbacks, opt to apply smooth and steady pressure on the pedals. That will help you avoid jerky movements and maintain control of the vehicle.
Road Rage
It goes without saying no driver wants to have verbal or physical confrontations on the road. Still, some may tailgate, speed, or change lanes without signaling. Of course, such practices can lead to crashes and angry encounters with other drivers. Remember, any impulsive or anger-fueled driving behavior can escalate to violence. Thus, it's always best to stay calm and avoid engaging in aggressive driving and road rage.
Avoiding bad driving habits can help keep you and others safe. For advice on which products can help keep your car in reliable condition, call Synthetic Motorsports at (888) 563-5143 anytime. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to order the top synthetic oil in Perry.