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Maddening Driving Habits That Drive Motorists Nuts
Most of us take for granted the menu of skills needed to safely drive a car. After several years of successfully navigating the roads - and perhaps barely avoiding other motorists - we gain a high level of comfort in our ability. But, is that comfort warranted? Studies conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) show that a majority of traffic accidents are caused by inattention.
The fact is, drivers exhibit many habits when operating their vehicles which endanger those around them. Whether reading the newspaper, putting on makeup, or reaching for that scalding cup of coffee while talking on the phone, here are three habits that can drive other motorists nuts.
#1 - Frequent Braking
For some reason, many drivers ride their brake pedal, even when traffic is flowing smoothly. It's dangerous and startling to other people on the road. First, they're not expecting to stop when other cars are moving along at a cruising speed. Second, when the brakes are applied, the red lights in the rear of the vehicle alert others that they too, must stop. That creates a chain reaction down the line and increases the likelihood of an accident.
#2 - Slow Merging
You need speed to merge safely on the highway. Remember, other vehicles are moving at 65 mph or faster. The sudden appearance of a slow merger galloping along at 40 mph not only causes them to hit the brakes (or the gas pedal), it guarantees you'll have made one more enemy for the day. It's worth noting that the responsibility lies with the merging vehicle, not with the folks already on the highway. If you're going too slow, speed up.
#3 - Being Nice
Yes, being nice while you're driving can be maddening to other motorists. Traffic laws were created in part to help ensure that traffic moves smoothly. When you're sitting at the head of a 4-way intersection and every driver has a stop, don't "be nice" to others and allow everyone to go first. That creates confusion (not to mention frustration). Plus, if there are multiple cars waiting the cross, the established orderly process is decimated, which increases the chances of a collision. When it's your turn to go, go.
No matter how advanced our vehicles are designed, humans will err when placed behind the wheel. The best driver safety technologies, such as lane change avoidance systems, rear view cameras, and smart cruise controls, cannot protect motorists from other drivers' bad driving habits. That responsibility lies with each of us.
If you regularly commit any of the three driving sins described above, consider breaking the habit. Not only will you avoid frustrating other drivers, but you'll also help make the roads safer for everyone.
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