While vehicles have made travel faster and more convenient, safety on the road still relies on the choices we make behind the wheel. Excitement, overconfidence, and carelessness can easily lead to accidents. Here are 20 common driving habits that put everyone at risk and tips to help you drive smarter and safer.

Distracted Driving

When you’re behind the wheel, keeping your eyes on the road is non-negotiable. Even a moment of distraction can have serious, life-changing consequences. In addition to preventing accidents, staying focused gives you the time needed to react quickly if another driver makes a mistake.

Overspeeding

Speed limits exist for a reason, and even though many drivers consider beating the speed limit a thrill, it’s often a disaster waiting to happen. Overspeeding puts you less in control, as you won’t be able to react quickly when something unexpected happens. Also, the higher your speed, the greater the impact of the accident.

Tailgating

Tailgating increases the risk of accidents, making it harder to react in time. If the car in front suddenly slows or you get distracted, you may not have the time to stop before a collision. Maintaining a safe distance gives you the time needed to avoid disaster.

Driving Uncomfortably

For a quick drive to the store or to pick up something from a neighbor’s house, one may not bother adjusting seats for comfort. However, this is risky, as discomfort affects one’s ability to react to sudden events when driving. Take a moment to get comfortable before pulling out of the driveway.

Running Red Lights or Stop Signs

In traffic, red means stop. It’s time for cars from other lanes to move or for people to cross. Running the lights can result in a collision, which may lead to a loss of life or severe injuries. Always wait for a red sign and ensure no car or person is approaching before moving forward.

Aggressive Driving

Squeezing your way between vehicles, driving on pedestrian walkways, and blasting your horn when not necessary are aggressive driving behaviors to avoid. Beyond the obvious risk of collisions or harming pedestrians, these actions create a hostile environment and increase the likelihood of multiple accidents.

Failing to Use Turn Signals

Always use your turn signals to let the driver behind you know when you’re about to change lanes or make a turn. This gives them a chance to react and adjust when your car slows down. Failing to signal could catch them off guard, increasing the risk of a surprise collision.

Driving While Fatigued

When you are tired, you are likely to fall asleep. That alone should be all you need to know to avoid driving when tired. But even if you don’t fall asleep, you’ll be on the wheel with reduced concentration and slow to react to signals and other happenings. Take breaks for rest when doing long drives.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Driving becomes more dangerous in harsh weather. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t ever drive during rain or snow, but rather, be extra careful when you do. Stay further from the car ahead of you, and don’t drive as you normally would to avoid skidding and running into someone or something.

Not Wearing a Seatbelt

Though many still skip the seatbelt, they’re an invention that keeps us safe in crashes or sharp stops. Wearing a seatbelt should always be done before driving, not when you’re already on the road. These straps hold you back during collisions and keep you safe and in control.

Ignoring Pedestrians and Cyclists

People are more vulnerable when they are walking or on a bicycle than when they are driving. As a driver, you should look out for them when you drive. Don’t drive as close to them as you would another car, and always be cautious at crosswalks to avoid accidents. Their safety depends on your awareness.

Driving Without Headlights

Headlights provide brightness for driving at night, so you can see people and objects and avoid accidents. Always keep your headlights on no matter how clear you think the road is. If they are off, you can run into humans, animals, or objects that can damage or harm you and your car.

Overconfidence in Driving Skills

After driving for a long time without any accidents, you may believe you are a better driver than you are. Because of this confidence, you may put yourself in risky situations, expecting to get away with it, like speeding. Doing this doesn’t always end well, as it may result in accidents.

Improper Use of High Beams

High beams shouldn’t be used all the time. Stick with low beams unless visibility is poor and no cars or pedestrians are nearby. When high beams are on unnecessarily, they can blind or confuse oncoming drivers or pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.

Ignoring Vehicle Maintenance

Regular vehicle maintenance is key to staying safe on the road. Change the oil, check the tires and brakes, and keep a maintenance checklist, or hire a professional to ensure everything’s in top condition. This helps you avoid sudden issues like brake failure or tire blowouts that could lead to dangerous accidents.

Ignoring Road Signs and Markings

Road markings and signs are essential for keeping us informed about speed limits, upcoming hazards, and other important details. For example, a sign warning of a sharp turn helps you adjust your speed for a safer drive. Ignoring these signs puts you and others at risk.

Driving in the Wrong Lane

It’s tempting to switch lanes when traffic isn’t in your favor, but giving in to that urge can create confusion for oncoming drivers whose lane you’ve entered. Pedestrians, who are used to traffic patterns, might not notice a car coming from the wrong side, which puts them at serious risk.

Improperly Secured Cargo

When you carry items over your vehicles, like chairs, fridges, etc., no matter how short the distance is, always secure them tightly. They can fall off during a turn or a sharp stop. If they fall, they may confuse other drivers, which may damage vehicles or result in some serious injuries.

Driving While Emotional

Anger, sadness, and excitement are all natural emotions, but they can affect us when on the steering. Each of them can affect how you make decisions and how focused you are on the road. You may want to hail a ride or ask someone to drive if you can’t handle driving when emotional.

Ignoring School Zones

School zones mean there are children around, and children may not be able to react to vehicles as well as adults do. Don’t ignore them. Instead, slow down as you approach one and remain cautious of your surroundings until you leave the zone. Speeding there puts you at risk of running into a child.