None of us have the roads to ourselves and while out in our car (or, of course, a rental car) sharing the highways with other motorists, chances are that we’ll see something that makes us tut or shake our heads.
While few people would ever admit to being terrible drivers, nearly everyone would be able to reel off a list of pet hates they’ve seen other drivers exhibit on the road. Just for fun we’ve gathered a collection of some of the habits which come up most often when drivers are asked “What are the worst driving habits?”
- Failing to indicate
There are countless jokes and memes subtly and not so subtly suggesting that some people need to be made aware of the presence and of the function of the orange flashing lights that their cars come equipped with. Not using indicators before turning or changing lanes is a source of major frustration for lots of drivers judging by some of the responses we’ve seen, almost as bad is engaging the indicators part way through the manoeuvre rather than beforehand.
- Lane hogging
Whether it’s drivers taking ownership of the outside lane, or members of the ‘middle lane owners club’ taking position and refusing to move, lane hogging in all its forms often comes up as an irritation in conversations about the worst driving habits.
- Driving too fast or too slow
Speed limits are posted to set a maximum speed for travel and no one would argue against the phrase “It’s 20, 30, 40 etc for a reason”. However, this sort of retort is often aimed at those going dangerously fast and fair enough, but driving significantly below the speed limit when conditions are good enough to allow safely travelling at the speed limit seems to be just as infuriating. Bear in mind that driving too slowly will see a learner driver fail their test just as surely as driving too fast. As well as annoying fellow road users, driving too slowly and braking without good cause can see drivers being pulled over, getting fined and getting points on their license for ‘inconsiderate driving’, just the same as drivers getting pulled over for going too fast can receive penalties for speeding.
- Using a mobile phone whilst driving
Just like attitudes to drink driving have hardened over time, attitudes towards using a mobile phone at the wheel seem to be going the same way. While using a handheld device whilst driving has been an offence for quite some time, it’s now a much more common cause for irritation amongst other road users than it’s ever been previously.
- Tailgating
One of the most common driving habits which are likely to annoy other road users is ‘tailgating’ – the practice of driving far too close to the car in front. Most often seen in the outside lane of a motorway where a driver exhibiting the habit of lane hogging is caught up by another driver who’s exhibiting the habit of speeding (unless the lane hogger is also driving too slowly). Either way, the approaching driver might tailgate, might flash their lights or even honk their horn in order to make the lane hogger move over.
These aren’t the only driving habits that grind peoples gears
While the above are the habits most commonly cited as annoyances by drivers, they’re not the only ones by any stretch of the imagination. Straddling two parking bays, shaving/applying makeup etc en route and being excessively hesitation could also have easily made the list.
Have you read our list nodding and smiling? Have you already considered sending it to someone? Have we missed a habit that get’s on your nerves? Contact us and let us know!