You’re a driver, and you have been driving for years. You consider yourself a very obedient driver because you always follow road signs, speed limits and other instructions given by different authorities whenever you’re on the road. You’re always careful because you don’t want to be involved in any accidents. However, nobody is perfect. Regardless of how obedient you are on the road, you’re still prone to commit driving mistakes without you even knowing it. If you continue to make these mistakes over time as you believe these are right, your efforts of avoiding accidents will be useless.

When you’re behind the wheel, responsibility is put on your shoulders. One wrong move – like turning to a sharp curb without thinking about the road conditions – can become the reason for fatal injuries and accidents – and you don’t want that to happen, right? The list of the top 7 driving mistakes can help you avoid being involved in such a situation:

Driving mistake #1: You’re not paying attention to the road as you think you are

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for years, you would know that distracted driving is one of the root cause of car accidents and cell phone use is one of the biggest culprits. You might argue that you’re in the clear because you’re merely using headsets when you’re driving, but you’re wrong. Even if you’re talking hands-free as both of your hands are on the wheel, you’re still putting your life and other people’s lives in great danger. Keep in mind that you’re driving heavy machinery, and anything you do that could take your focus off your driving is dangerous.

Driving mistake #2: You’re focusing on the wrong part of the road

Driving through an unfamiliar country or state might no longer be new to you. But instead of solely focusing on the road signs and exit numbers in your way, you should focus on the road that’s ahead of you. Swerving out of lane has become a problem over the years, and if you fail to focus on the road in front of you even if you’re paying attention, chances are, you’ll shift out of a lane. It’s better to have someone to ride with you to be your guide or if you’re driving alone, pull over to the side of the road and use a map or GPS to guide you. Never think that just because you’re able to follow road signs, you’re already safe from accidents.

Driving mistake #3: You’re waiting too long to check tire pressure

The low tire pressure indicator on your car’s dashboard is there for a purpose. Once it lights up, it means that you’ve already waited for too long to have your tire pressure checked. You should be able to check your tire cars regularly, and not wait for the tire pressure indicator to light up before doing anything, as this is already a worst-case scenario. If your car tires look flat, don’t attempt to drive it. If it’s only low, find an air pump and replenish it. You should be very attentive on how your tire pressures are because if not, you’ll end using more gas and increasing the chances of being involved in accidents.

Driving mistake #4: You’re using the wrong type of gas

Most drivers would fill up their cars with premium fuel when they don’t need it to – don’t be one of them. While some vehicles require a certain level of octane gas, about 99% of the cars are going to run just fine even with regular gas. You should be able to check your owner’s manual to determine what could be the possible recommendations form the auto manufacturer. If your vehicle doesn’t require premium fuel to run and perform better, don’t bother as you’re only putting your car’s overall health on the line.

Driving mistake #5: Leaving high beams on

Yes, you want other vehicles to know you’re there but leaving high beams on can do more harm than good for you and the other drivers on the road. When you leave high beams on, you’ll not only blind drivers of oncoming cars but also distract drivers ahead of you. It can also reduce visibility when used in snow and fog, making it difficult for other drivers to steer their vehicles properly. Using your high beams is essential, but you should also be aware of when should they be turned off, especially when there are cars around you. One rule of thumb which you can follow is to use low beams once you see another vehicle’s headlights or tail lights from a distance.

Driving mistake #6: You have a bad sitting position

You’re the driver, and as long as you’re comfortable in your seat, everything is well and good, but you’re wrong. When you sit too far back, your control of the vehicle is compromised. This can mean that your reaction times are reduced since your legs are too far from the pedals and you’re barely touching the gas or brake. It’ll take you time to respond to whatever is in front of you which in turn, can end up in fatal accidents on the road. You can also be hurt if you sit too close to the steering wheel. To make sure that you’re safe all the time, it’s best to leave about 8 to 10 inches between you and the wheel so the airbag has enough space to inflate correctly during accidents. You should also make sure that your seatbelt crosses over the middle of your shoulders and chest. 

Driving mistake #7: You stop suddenly without any warning

You were driving slowly when you noticed your friend waiting along the road. Because you haven’t seen this friend for years, you slammed on your breaks and came to an abrupt stop without giving any warning to the vehicles around you. This might seem like a common practice to some, and they ended up okay, but when the driver behind you is tailgating the moment you stepped on your brakes, this vehicle could likely run into your rear which can cause a collision. To avoid being in this kind of situation, you should think about the cars around you and always stop slowly with care as this will give other drivers a chance to adjust or react accordingly. Make use of warning devices in your vehicles to keep you and other drivers safe. 

In conclusion

Take the time to assess if you’re guilty of any of these. But if you are, don’t fret as you can always change your ways. Since you’re now aware of the driving mistakes most drivers are committing, it’ll be easier for you to improve as a driver. Once you do, you can almost guarantee that you will never be involved in any accidents.

If you want to maximize your legal options when you’ve been injured in a car accident, do click here for more information.

Lea Briggs is a young legal writer who enjoys a challenge when writing. Lea aims to make sure her articles allow readers to have a basic grasp of the concepts she is writing, especially giving emphasis to how these subjects can help them in their daily lives. She likes to spend time with her family at home during her days off.