TL;DR:

Distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving are common bad habits that endanger road safety.
Using your seat belt, obeying traffic signals, and signaling before turning are simple ways to ensure safe driving.
Get Drivers Ed offers comprehensive drivers ed courses to help you avoid these bad habits and become a safer, more responsible driver.

Safe driving habits are the foundation of road safety. Unfortunately, many drivers fall into risky behaviors that not only put themselves at risk but also endanger others on the road. From distracted driving to aggressive driving, bad habits are a major factor in car accidents. Fortunately, with education, it is possible to develop safer driving practices. Online driving schools like Get Drivers Ed offer valuable resources to promote responsible driving. Below, we’ll look at some of the most common bad driving habits and provide practical tips to avoid them.

1. Distracted Driving: Eyes on the Road, Hands on the Wheel

What Is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention from driving. This includes texting, talking on the phone, eating, using a GPS, or adjusting controls while driving.

Dangers and Statistics
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 9% of all fatal crashes in the U.S. involve distracted driving. When you're not paying attention to the road, you are less likely to react to hazards, increasing the chances of an accident.

Tips to Avoid Distractions:

Keep your phone out of reach or use hands-free devices.
Set your GPS before you start driving.
Avoid eating or drinking while driving.

2. Speeding: Slow Down for Safety

The Risks of Speeding
Speeding increases the chances of accidents, particularly serious ones. Higher speeds reduce your reaction time and increase stopping distances, making it more difficult to avoid accidents.

Why Speed Limits Matter
Speed limits are set for a reason, taking into account road conditions, traffic flow, and the surrounding environment. Ignoring them can result in fines and, more importantly, fatal accidents.

Tips for Safe Speeds:

Always observe posted speed limits.
Adjust your speed according to road conditions, such as wet roads or heavy traffic.
Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady and safe speed.

3. Aggressive Driving: Keep Your Cool on the Road

What Is Aggressive Driving?
Aggressive driving involves behaviors like tailgating, road rage, excessive honking, and cutting off other drivers. These actions can escalate quickly and lead to accidents.

Consequences of Aggressive Driving
Aggressive drivers are more likely to make rash decisions and engage in dangerous behavior. This can increase the likelihood of accidents, especially in heavy traffic or during stressful driving situations.

Strategies to Avoid Aggressive Driving:

Practice patience and stay calm in traffic.
Maintain a safe following distance to avoid tailgating.
Avoid excessive honking and letting other drivers provoke you.

4. Driving Under the Influence: Choose Sobriety, Choose Safety

Dangers of Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs impairs your judgment, reaction time, and overall ability to control the vehicle. Alcohol is involved in nearly a third of all traffic-related fatalities in the U.S.

Alternatives to Driving While Impaired:

Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft if you're impaired.
Plan ahead by having a designated driver.
If you encounter an impaired driver, report them to the authorities.

Tips for Recognizing Impaired Drivers:

Watch for erratic driving behavior such as swerving or driving too slowly.
Be alert when other drivers fail to stop at stop signs or signals.

5. Neglecting Seat Belt Use: Buckle Up for Every Ride

Why Seat Belts Matter
Seat belts are one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent serious injury or death in a car crash. Despite their proven effectiveness, some drivers and passengers neglect to buckle up.

Debunking Myths About Seat Belts:

Myth: "I'm just going a short distance."
Fact: Most accidents happen close to home.
Myth: "It's uncomfortable."
Fact: Comfort should never come before safety.

Tips for Consistent Seat Belt Use:

Buckle up before starting the car, every time.
Encourage all passengers to wear their seat belts, even on short trips.
Use seat belt adjusters for comfort if needed.

6. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs: Respect the Signals

The Dangers of Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Running red lights and stop signs is one of the most dangerous violations, often leading to severe accidents at intersections. Failing to stop gives you less time to react to other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Why Obeying Signals Is Crucial
Traffic signals are designed to keep traffic flowing safely. Disregarding them can lead to accidents, especially when other drivers are not expecting you to break the rules.

Tips for Approaching Intersections Safely:

Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.
Look both ways at intersections even if the light is green.
Don’t rush—wait for the green light or a safe gap in traffic before proceeding.

7. Failure to Signal: Communicate Your Intentions

Why Signaling Is Essential
Turn signals are vital for informing other drivers of your intentions, such as changing lanes or making turns. Failing to signal creates confusion, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Why Drivers Skip Signaling
Drivers often forget to signal when they’re in a hurry, or they assume other drivers will know what they intend to do. However, this lack of communication can cause dangerous situations.

Tips for Developing the Habit of Signaling:

Always use your turn signal when changing lanes or turning.
Signal early to give other drivers plenty of time to react.
Make signaling a habit for every lane change, even if there’s no traffic.

Conclusion

Bad driving habits like distracted driving, speeding, and failing to use turn signals significantly contribute to accidents on the road. It’s essential to cultivate safe driving practices to protect yourself and others. Remember, Get Drivers Ed provides comprehensive online drivers ed courses to help you build good driving habits, and ensure you're well-prepared for the road ahead.