10 Most Common Driving Mistakes You Should Know!

In driving safety and security is important, Therefore, avoid some of the common driving mistakes! anything?

Driving has now become an important skill, because high mobility has become a must for the smooth running of daily activities. For those of you who prioritize transportation that is more private and comfortable, driving your own vehicle is a priority compared to having to use public transportation.

Unfortunately, many people ignore good and correct driving procedures so that driving mistakes often occur. This certainly reminds us that the level of proficiency in holding the steering wheel cannot be obtained instantly.

For novice drivers, or those who are new to driving their own car, it is common to make a number of mistakes. Apart from their lack of driving experience, their fault is usually also because they ignore some things that can interfere with concentration while sitting behind the wheel of a car.

Many think that they drive like experts but the truth is that they make many mistakes that can range from how they take the wheel to the maintenance of the car itself.

Bad habits behind the wheel is a constant that puts our safety and that of those around us at risk. 

10 habits that we must eliminate now so that our road is safer for us, the occupants of our car and all the people around us.

1. Not maintaining your car

It is the most frequent mistake among drivers, many always leave it for tomorrow and do not check the car's systems, which can end up in a breakdown that will end up generating traffic and unnecessary spending. In some cases they can also cause an accident.

Brake fluid is a major component that, if it fails, can even lead to something tragic. That is why we must know how to recognize the symptoms that indicate the imperative need to bleed the brake system, and have them working as soon as possible. Remember that the brakes are the only safety system that actually stops the car.

2. Hands on the wheel

Yes, you may think that you look elegant, handsome, powerful by putting your hand on top of the wheel, below or between your arms, but the correct position of the hands on the wheel has to do with how much control you have over it, and How safe is your driving? The correct position is with the hands in the 9 and 3 o'clock position, as if it were the face of a clock. The fingers of the hand should gently embrace the steering wheel , and put pressure on the palms, in such a way that the steering wheel moves in the direction we want, passing one hand over the other each time the steering wheel turns 180 degrees.

Not doing this decreases the control you have over the steering wheel, as well as the possibility of making a quick movement that can save us from an accident. The right hand can only be removed to make gear changes in the case of manual cars.

3. Driving position

The same, we all want to be comfortable in our cars, especially when we know that we will spend a long period of time in it. But how much are we sacrificing control of the car for some comfort?

If we are very far from the steering wheel when we find ourselves in the urgent need to react quickly and make a sudden movement, we will not be able to make a complete turn of the wheel and we will not be able to dodge the obstacles that appear in front of us. To make a complete turn we will have to release the steering wheel and move it with the palm of the hand, which not only takes away reaction time, but also prevents us from fully controlling the steering wheel.

When we drive very close to the steering wheel, our own body will hinder us to make evasive movements and avoid an accident. The elbows will get in the way and the task will become complicated, thereby increasing the risks for us and for others.

4. Our vision while driving

One of the most common driving mistakes today is where we focus our eyes while driving. In some cases, many instructors will tell you to look at what is immediately in front of and around your car.

Although this has a certain reason for being, it is a mistake, since if we focus on what is coming 50 or 60 meters in front of our car, we will have a greater certainty of what is coming and we will be able to react faster.

There are people who claim that this is only necessary if you are driving on highways, since the speed at which you drive requires faster reactions. However, in our experience, it is also necessary to do it this way if there is a lot of traffic.

Think of it this way: if you catch sight of the moment when 2 cars in front of you are braking, you will have more time to react than if you wait for the stop lights of the car ahead to come on, assuming they are in good condition. .

5. Outward Visibility

Another of the most common mistakes is not keeping the windshield, glass and side mirrors clean. This prevents your vision of everything around you from being unclear and also, when it rains, it will cause the cleaners to not be able to carry out their work properly. Therefore, in the rainy season, driving will become a huge risk for you and everyone around you.

Windshield washer fluid will help keep your windshield clean and free of contaminants that will block your vision and harm your drive. Apply a generous coat of windshield washer fluid to all windows and side mirrors, plus add a little inside the windshield washer fluid reservoir.

6. Ignore the signs

There are times when we want to get to where we are going so quickly that we do not use our peripheral vision and stop paying attention to the indications that are given to us by means of traffic signals.

There are many that exist, so we must know them well, but above all we must be aware of the speed limits. These were not placed out of mistrust that our driving skills could not take any more. They are made in accordance with the conditions in which the road was designed, built or in which it currently finds itself: let us learn to respect them.

7. Do not yield to faster vehicles

Did you know that 30% of road accidents occur because there was a person blocking the passing lane? And it is that the left lane is only for that: passing. It doesn't matter if we're going at the upper limit of the maximum speed, if we don't have cars in front of us that need to be passed, we don't have to invade the left lane. In the case of trucks, if the highway has 3 lines, they must stay on the right and only pass carefully in the central lane.

We must be respectful in the way of others. So if the rest of the people go faster than the allowed limit, it is better to let them pass so that they can continue forward and we do not cause an accident between the two.

8. Panic When There Are Certain Situations

Like a new employee entering the office for the first time, even a novice driver is haunted by feelings of anxiety. In fact, he also easily panics when he encounters situations that do not match expectations. Why? This relates to the process of adaptation to new situations.

This is reasonable, given the lack of experience behind the wheel. Moreover, the road situation is very different from the practice track . Starting from other drivers who suddenly overtake, stop suddenly, or stop in an endless traffic jam.

In a state of panic, often novice drivers will automatically make driving mistakes. For example, stepping on the gas too deep or shifting gears too quickly. You should try to be more relaxed while driving.

9. Not Understanding the Meaning of Traffic Signs

In addition to red lights, there are dozens of other traffic signs posted scattered on the highway? These signs are not displays, but must be understood and obeyed.

Unfortunately, novice drivers tend not to understand traffic rules well. For example, distinguishing warning signs, prohibition signs, command signs, as well as guide signs. While learning to drive a car properly and correctly, you should also learn traffic signs, especially on roads that you often pass.

10. Driving Hastily

The feeling of being insecure about the ability to control the steering wheel of a car makes novice drivers drive a car in a hurry. Often because they want to quickly get to their destination. As a result, he drives the vehicle in the wrong way, for example being too fast.

In fact, driving in a hurry is not only dangerous for yourself but also for other drivers. It's a good idea to calm yourself before holding the wheel so that you can drive calmly, comfortably and safely.

The 7 most common errors in roundabouts

Every day we see how drivers commit irregularities when taking a roundabout. Today we tell you the 7 most common mistakes.

The way in which to circulate correctly in a roundabout has been treated on countless occasions, although they still seem few in view of the irregularities that can be seen in them. There are many tips to avoid accidents , in this case we focus on errors in roundabouts, one of the main causes of accidents.

The 7 most common errors in roundabouts

It is convenient to be aware of the most frequent mistakes that are usually made and that significantly increase the risk of collision between vehicles when completing a roundabout. These are the most common:

1. Dangerous maneuvers

Roundabouts serve to speed up traffic at intersections and reduce the danger inherent in these situations, so they should not be increased with maneuvers for which they were not designed. Some common situations of this error are:

Entering the roundabout at high speed without regard to priorities
Sudden lane changes and without previous indications
2. Priority at roundabouts

There are no doubts, no interpretations. The priority in a roundabout is always the vehicle that already occupies it ahead of those who are going to access it. The general rule of prioritizing traffic arriving from the right, as in other intersections, does not apply (unless otherwise indicated).

3. Use of lanes in roundabouts

Depending on the direction to be taken, one or another lane of the roundabout must be occupied (when there are more than one). It is advisable to always use the outside lane to turn right or go straight , turning to the inside lane to make a U-turn or go left .

4. Special vehicles

The characteristics of other vehicles are often forgotten when managing traffic around the roundabout. This is the case of the large dimensions of a truck or the reduced lateral and rear visibility that motorists enjoy .

It is important to take this type of vehicle into account when approaching a roundabout, taking into account their characteristics and how they can affect the construction of the roundabout.

5. Visibility at roundabouts

An essential habit in driving and that continues to be so in this scenario is to seek maximum visibility. Looking far ahead when approaching a roundabout, scanning the environment to understand traffic flow helps more than we can imagine to avoid surprises that result in an incident.

6. Use of turn signals in roundabouts

Another constant in circulation is the misuse of turn signals. Direction indicators are also essential at roundabouts so that the rest of the drivers know what the intention of the vehicles that are already circulating through them is, when they are going to take an exit. It is important to use vehicle lighting systems correctly , one of the most common errors in roundabouts.

7. Rectify

An attitude based on faits accomplis always seems risky in traffic, correcting when possible or aborting a dangerous maneuver avoids many accidents. It is always advisable to continue driving around the roundabout and take one more lap than to carry out a risky maneuver that puts you and the rest of the vehicles at risk.

Common Driving Mistakes

1. Doing Other Activities That Distract Concentration

Listening to music is one of the most common means of entertainment that people do when driving. However, did you know that playing music can distract you? Not to mention that novice drivers usually pay less attention to the situation around the road through the rearview mirror. Also, don't try to call while driving, okay? Even if you are not aware of the road situation, your safety may be at stake.

2. Turning on Hazard Lights During Heavy Rain

Hazard lights actually function as a marker that a vehicle is in an emergency. However, drivers often use hazard lights in heavy rain to clarify the position of their vehicles. The use of hazard lights during heavy rain 'especially on the freeway' can confuse drivers behind our vehicles, especially when changing lanes. Even though you have turned on the turn signal, when the hazard light is on, the turn signal will not be visible. This will lead to misunderstandings between drivers and can result in a fatal accident.

3. Leading Through the Shoulder of the Road

The shoulder of the road is an area that is prepared for vehicles that experience emergencies such as breaking down and bursting tires. However, drivers often misuse the shoulder of the road to overtake other vehicles, of course this will be very dangerous for the driver and other drivers who are stopping on the shoulder of the road.

4. Keeping the Rear Wiper Working

In heavy rain, sometimes some drivers let the rear wiper continue to function. The goal, so that the glass is free from rainwater that wets the rear window of the car. This is a risky thing to do, because the wiper movement actually blocks the driver's view and makes it difficult for the driver to make decisions.

5. Breaking through the Yellow Light

The haste to reach their destination sometimes makes drivers ignore traffic signs. For example, a yellow light is considered a sign to continue driving the vehicle. Of course, actions to ignore traffic signs like this can endanger the driver.

6. Pressing the Gas Before Turning Off the Engine

This habit is often found in cars that still use a carburetor. This is useful for exhausting the remaining fuel contained in the carburetor and makes it easier for the engine to start when turned on again. However, this does not need to be done on injection-system cars that are widely circulated today.

7. Pressing the Accelerator and Brake Pedal Simultaneously

The habit of pressing the gas and brake pedals at the same time will actually waste the car's power. This is often done by car drivers with automatic transmission when braking. However, braking should be done by alternately pressing the gas and brake pedals so that the car's power is not wasted.

From the detailed explanation above, now if you drive a private vehicle it would be better to avoid driving mistakes that can result in losses. Of course, besides being in a hurry, you are also required to comply with the traffic rules that have been regulated.