Looking at the wider picture, the UK is a fairly decent country to drive in.
We are guilty of falling into some bad habits, though.
So in an effort to keep you and your fellow road users rage free, we’ve compiled a list of 10 of the worst habits we see so that you don’t fall victim to them too!
Rushing pedestrians
Creeping onto the pedestrian crossing, revving your engine impatiently or not actually coming to a complete stop can be intimidating for pedestrians. In most cases, it will cost you more time as the pedestrian will hesitate.
From the pedestrians perspective, it is intimidating, especially for the elderly and less abled. Be patient – they are trying to get somewhere too, and have not set out just to be an obstacle in your life.
Littering from the window
This is not only a bad habit but is illegal.
‘Out of sight, out of mind’ does not apply here and mother nature doesn’t want your litter.
There is no reason why you can’t keep hold of your rubbish until you find an appropriate place to dispose of it, whether it be a public bin or at your own home.
Using your mobile phone
This is also illegal and you could face a £200 on-the-spot fine and 6 points on your driving license as a result.
Using your mobile phone is a huge distraction, regardless of how momentary it may be, and you are risking lives.
Tailgating
A surefire way to enrage fellow road users.
Stopping distance is an extremely important road safety guideline. Getting too close to the driver in front of you, at any speed, significantly increases the chance of an accident. If they break suddenly, your reaction time alone will not be enough to stop your vehicle in time.
What is more likely to happen, is the driver in front will slow down in an attempt to reduce the danger, and as a signal to you to back off. This will only make you later to your destination.
Wonky parking
Another rage-inducing bad habit to possess.
Parking spaces are measured very carefully to give both the maximum spaces possible, whilst simultaneously allowing enough space for drivers to enter and exit their vehicle.
As soon as you fail to park in the centre of your space, you immediately take up a second parking space too as it becomes impossible for anybody else to park there.
Blinding oncoming drivers with fog lights
Fog lights are only to be used when deemed necessary by foggy conditions and low visibility.
If they are in use, remember to switch to regular lights when another car approaches so that the driver is not dazed and temporarily blinded.
Always use your indicators
Other drivers shouldn’t have to guess where you’re going.
Failing to use your indicators can add time to the journeys of others. Indicating your intentions at the earliest opportunity allows other drivers to make turns or proceed at a roundabout at their earliest convenience, knowing it’s safe to do so.
Keep the music down
People joke about having to turn the music down so that they can see better. This is in a way true, as overwhelming one of your senses can impair the others. It’s harder to concentrate with music blaring in your ears.
It is also obligatory to turn your music off if an emergency vehicle is in your vicinity.
Intimidating cyclists
They are equally entitled to the road space as you are.
Sure, it can be frustrating being stuck behind a bicycle, but letting that frustration get to you can be much more detrimental to the cyclist.
Be patient and only pass when it is safe to do so.
Not wearing your seatbelt
Wearing your seatbelt is legally required for a very good reason.
The amount of injury you could be spared just by clicking in your seatbelt is phenomenal.
A bad habit we’ve seen over the years is drivers starting to drive off, choosing music and fiddling with the air conditioning, all before plugging in their seatbelt.
Seatbelt first, adjust the air conditioning and choose your music, then begin your journey.
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