Common Driving Mistakes: Tips for Recognising and Avoiding Them

As a new driver, it’s easy to make mistakes on the road. In fact, even experienced drivers can make errors from time to time. However, some mistakes can be more dangerous than others and can lead to serious accidents. To help you stay safe on the road, we’ve put together a list of the most common driving mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Failing to Check Blind Spots

One of the most common mistakes new drivers make is failing to check their blind spots before changing lanes or making turns. Blind spots are the areas around your vehicle that you can’t see in your mirrors. To avoid accidents, it’s important to always check your blind spots before making any manoeuvres on the road.

2. Not Keeping a Safe Distance

Another common mistake new drivers make is following other vehicles too closely. This can be dangerous because it doesn’t give you enough time to react if the vehicle in front of you suddenly stops or slows down. To avoid this mistake, make sure to keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The general rule of thumb is to keep a distance of at least one car length for every 10 miles per hour you’re travelling.

3. Speeding

Speeding is a common mistake that can have serious consequences. Not only does it increase the risk of accidents, but it can also result in hefty fines and license suspension. To avoid this mistake, make sure to always follow the posted speed limit and adjust your speed based on weather and road conditions.

4. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a major problem on the roads today. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as texting, eating, or talking on the phone, can be a distraction. To avoid this mistake, make sure to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel at all times. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe location first.

5. Failure to Signal

Failing to signal when turning or changing lanes is another common mistake new drivers make. Indicating is important because it lets other drivers know what you’re planning to do. To avoid this mistake, make sure to always signal when turning or changing lanes, and signal well in advance so other drivers have time to react.

6. Ignoring Road Signs and Signals

Ignoring road signs and signals is another common mistake that can have serious consequences. It’s important to always pay attention to road signs and signals and follow them accordingly. This includes obeying traffic lights, stop signs, and speed limit signs.

7. Improper Lane Changes

Making improper lane changes is another common mistake new drivers make. This can include changing lanes too quickly or without signaling. To avoid this mistake, make sure to always check your blind spots before changing lanes, and signal well in advance.

8. Failure to Yield

Failing to yield to other vehicles or pedestrians is another common mistake that can lead to accidents. To avoid this mistake, always be aware of your surroundings and yield when necessary. This includes yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and yielding to other vehicles when merging onto highways.

9. Driving Under the Influence

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious mistake that can have deadly consequences. It’s never safe to drive under the influence, and doing so can result in fines, license suspension, and even jail time. To avoid this mistake, never drive after drinking or using drugs, and always have a designated driver or plan for alternative transportation.

Driving is an essential skill that requires focus, patience, and attention to detail. However, even the most experienced drivers can make mistakes that can lead to accidents or other problems on the road. In this blog, we will discuss the most common driving mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.

Not Adjusting Mirrors Properly

One of the most common mistakes drivers make is not adjusting their mirrors correctly. This can lead to blind spots, which can be dangerous when changing lanes or turning. To avoid this mistake, follow these steps:

• Adjust your rearview mirror so that you can see the back window of your car.
• Lean to the left and adjust your left mirror so that you can see the left rear corner of your car.
• Lean to the right and adjust your right mirror so that you can see the right rear corner of your car.
• Check your mirrors frequently while driving to ensure that they remain properly adjusted.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt

Wearing a seat belt is essential for your safety while driving. However, some drivers still neglect to wear one, which can lead to severe injuries in case of an accident. To avoid this mistake, make sure to:

• Always wear a seat belt while driving, regardless of how short the trip may be.

Ensure that all passengers in your vehicle are wearing their seat belts before starting the car.

Following Too Closely

Following too closely, also known as tailgating, is a common mistake that can lead to accidents, especially in heavy traffic. To avoid this mistake, maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you by:

• Following the “two-second rule.” This means that you should be at least two seconds behind the vehicle in front of you. You can calculate this by watching the car in front of you pass a fixed object, such as a sign, and counting how long it takes you to reach the same point.
• Increase your following distance in adverse weather conditions, such as rain or snow.
• Stay alert and focused while driving, so you have enough time to react if the car in front of you suddenly stops.

Useful Links in Australia:

“What to do after an Accident?” –  https://yloodrive.com/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/