12 Bad Driving Habits You Need To Break Immediately

There were some 6.3 million car crashes in the U.S. in 2015. And many of these were caused by people engaging in bad driving habits.

But the truth of the matter is that there’s really no reason for you to engage in these types of behavior. You’re putting yourself and other drivers at risk when you do.

So we’ve compiled the 12 bad driving habits you need to break immediately. Check them out below.

1. Speeding

Let’s start with a basic one. Speeding is one of the biggest causes of traffic accidents in the country.

This is frustrating because it’s such an easy behavior to stop!

The truth is that when your car is moving faster, the more likely you are to die if you’re in a crash. So the solution here is simple: follow the speed limit.

2. Texting

Commit today to stay off your phone while driving. It’s so easy to be tempted to send a quick text or look at social media while on the road, but this really is super dangerous.

When you’re on your phone, you’re distracted. And when you’re distracted, you don’t see the car pulling out in front of you or the kid walking in the street.

Instead, just leave your phone in your bag and focus on the road. To learn more about texting and driving, read this blog.

3. Getting Dressed

This one might seem obvious, but far too many people try to put the finishing touches on their outfit while driving.

Even if you’re in a rush, it’s way to crazy to try and tie your shoe, button your shirt, or slip into your skirt while you should be focused on the road.

4. Drinking Alcohol

Your chance of crashing is so much higher while under the influence of alcohol. And while this is a well-known fact, people still choose to drive after they’ve been drinking.

This puts other people on the road at incredible risk because your judgment is impaired. Think of how terrible you’d feel if you were the cause of a crash where someone died, all because you were drunk.

Make a commitment right now to never drink and drive.

5. Disciplining Your Kids

If you’ve ever driven a car while kids are in the back fighting or screaming, you know how frustrating and distracting that can be.

But the last thing you should is try to discipline your kids while at the wheel. If you’re looking in the mirror trying to break up a fight, your eyes are going to be off the road in front of you.

Instead, pull over if the situation gets too intense.

6. Shaving or Putting on Makeup

These should go without saying, but sadly people still do them. When you’re putting on eyeliner, you literally have to look up.

And when you shave, you have to move your head around which will take your eyes off the road.

In both situations, you’re being dangerous. Do these before you leave the house!

7. Not Wearing Your Seat Belt: One of the Worst Bad Driving Habits

90% of the country wears seatbelts, but that leaves 27.5 million people who still don’t wear them. The time has come to put on the belt. Seat belts literally save lives.

Remember that lots of accidents happen near home even at low speeds, so always put on your seat belt. Even if you’re just running to a neighbor’s or to the grocery store, wear your seat belt.

8. Having an Intense Phone Call

When you’re behind the wheel, it’s not the time to have an intense phone conversation. This takes your focus from the task at hand and distracts you.

So if things start to get emotional, heated, or intense, tell the person on the other line that you will call them back later.

9. Going Too Fast in Bad Weather

Some people just don’t get it! When you’re driving in bad weather, you need to adjust the way you drive.

If it’s snowing, raining, or super windy, slow down. This is the best way to control your car in these conditions.

Even if you have a big truck with four-wheel drive, you driving fast puts yourself and others at risk.

10. Steering with Your Knees

Some tasks require two hands and so people take their hands off the wheel and try to steer with their knees. This is simply a terrible idea.

One pothole or bad spot in the road, and your car could be in a ditch. Your knees simply can’t grip the steering wheel like two hands can.

11. Driving While Tired

Driving while drowsy is incredibly dangerous. So whenever you start to feel drowsy, pull over.

This is especially true on long road trips and even more so if you’re driving in the dark. Don’t take the risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Instead, pull over on the side of the road or in a parking lot and get some sleep!

This might affect your schedule, but it’s much better to arrive late than not arrive at all.

12. Leaning to Reach For Something

Last but not least, stop trying to reach for things while behind the wheel. This is because you’re often leaning far, which takes your eyes off the road.

So if you drop a mint, piece of paper, or your phone, just leave it until you’re at a stop and pick it up when you’re not moving.

This will keep you safe as well as the other drivers on the road as well.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve read all about these bad driving habits, it’s time to implement some changes in your life. What ones are you guilty of? Stop doing them today!