Avoiding Common Driving Mistakes
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Published on: 16 June 2023
Last Updated on: 06 July 2023
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Learning to drive can be an exciting milestone for new drivers, but it comes with numerous responsibilities. There are various mistakes related to driving.
New drivers enroll in driving lessons to gain training on road rules, traffic laws, and safety practices while on the road. Such training helps them gain confidence behind the wheel and avoid Driving Mistakes that can lead to accidents.
Some Common Driving Mistakes That One Should Avoid
Here are some common driving mistakes and how one can avoid them:
Failing To Stop At Pedestrian Crossings
Pedestrian crossings are dedicated road sections where people on foot can safely cross. The designated markings indicate that pedestrians have the right of way, so drivers should stop and let them cross.
Failing to stop at pedestrian crossings is a traffic violation and can cause collisions. To avoid such driving mistakes and running over pedestrians, slow down when coming to a marked crossing and only drive off when the road is clear.
Not Using Indicators
Indicators are the primary way motorists communicate to imply a change of lane or direction. The indicators can also help pedestrians know what you plan to do so they can adjust accordingly.
Using them correctly can help avoid confusion with pedestrians and other motorists, helping to prevent accidents. You can supplement indicator use with hand signals to correctly communicate with other road users.
Going Too Slow Or Speeding
New drivers may have anxiety on the road, which can cause them to go too slow, impeding other road users. Overexcited learners may also speed in residential and town areas, leading to accidents.
Maintaining reasonable speeds and adhering to speed limits can help avoid frustrating other drivers and help prevent collisions.
Tailgating Other Drivers
Driving directly behind another vehicle can also cause collisions if the car ahead stops suddenly. During driving lessons, instructors may advise learners to maintain a safe distance to avoid rear-ending the car in front of them.
A safe distance may vary depending on speed, weather conditions, and visibility. Maintaining a safe distance can allow you an adequate reaction time to stop or change lanes if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
Stopping Abruptly
New drivers who are not confident behind the wheel may stop abruptly in traffic, impeding other drivers behind them.
Panic braking can result in rear-ended collisions or cause other drivers to swerve to avoid hitting you. Before coming to a complete stop, signal by tapping on your brakes, then press them gradually.
Incorrect Lane Use
Lanes help guide drivers and control traffic to reduce conflicts on roads. New drivers who fail to use lanes correctly can impede traffic and frustrate other motorists, resulting in collisions or road rage. Maintaining lane discipline and using indicators and side mirrors when changing lanes can help avoid traffic violations. Avoid staying in the passing lanes when you are driving slowly to avoid blocking traffic flow.
Distractions During Driving
Distracted driving can cause you to lose focus and may impair your judgment or reaction time. Activities like talking to passengers, using your phone, adjusting the radio, eating, or drinking can force you to take your eyes or mind off the road. Avoiding such activities can help so you are more observant on the road and can react accordingly in case of a road event.
Leaving High Beams On
High beams can improve visibility at night, but they can be blinding for other pedestrians or drivers.
Switching to low beams when approaching oncoming traffic can help avoid blinding other road users. Low beams can also be practical when driving in well-lit areas. Use the high beams as well as the low ones according to your convenience to prevent driving mistakes.
Failing To Adjust To Adverse Weather Conditions
When you are driving on the highways, you must be mindful of the speed limit. The vehicle’s speed in dry weather conditions can not be equated with that of the speed of a vehicle on a rainy day and snowfall.
As a driver, you have to adjust your speed. Especially when driving over heavy snowfall, you must be highly vigilant of the speed limits. Failing it may bring terrible consequences.
Changing The Lanes Without Checking The Blindspots
Sometimes drivers commit the terrible mistake of changing lanes without checking the blindspots. Be watchful of the signals on the highways. Also, at the same time, check out the mirrors at a quick glance so that you are always aware of the vehicles arriving from behind.
This awareness can help you stay safe while driving. It is better to avoid it. However, when you are driving on the highway completely intoxicated, then you may meet with an accident. So keep this important point related to driving mistakes in mind.
Driving Under The Influence
One of the blunders committed by drivers is driving under the influence of alcohol or some drugs. Under such circumstances, the driver loses control of the vehicle, causing accidents on the highways. Moreover, if you are convicted DIU charge by the respective authorities, then you may receive punishments like:
- Imprisonment.
- Fines.
- Mandatory alcohol assessments.
- Community service.
- Probation
Making Assumptions About The Intention Of Another Driver
If you are driving on the highways following the footsteps of another driver, it may lead to terrible consequences. For example, if you are driving on a highway in a foggy condition, it’s in a way safe to follow the lights at the back of the vehicle that is moving in front of you.
Therefore do not fully rely on the other driver. Otherwise, it may lead to an accident. Be watchful and mindful of these issues and mistakes in driving.
Do Not Be Overconfident
Do not be overconfident about your own skills and capabilities. There is no end to learning. Assess your strong points as well as the weak areas in driving and seriously work on them. The more you are knowledgeable and skillful, the better you can handle your vehicle on the highways.
Attend Driving Lessons Today
Learning to drive can be an exciting milestone for new drivers, but they need to learn about their responsibilities on the road. Attending driving lessons can help them learn road rules and safety practices. Instructors can also guide new drivers during practice sessions to improve their confidence behind the wheel. Look for a high-quality driving school with reliable instructors today.
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