10 Bad Driving Habits To Break Today: #1 - #5
While some kids aren't in a particularly big hurry, many of them rush to the DMV as soon as they turn fifteen to get their permits. They then rush back equally anxiously to get their intermediate licenses when they turn sixteen. Eventually, however, driving simply becomes another daily habit - something they do without thinking too much about it.
After you have been driving for several years, it's easy to become complacent. We form habits. We relax. Before too long, many of us end up driving "on auto-pilot." In order to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers, however, it is imperative that you remain alert every second that you are on the road. It's also important to take a conscious look at any of the driving habits you may have formed and evaluate them to determine whether or not they are worth keeping. If you have developed some bad habits, it's time to buckle down and take steps to break them. Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC is here to help you make it happen!
10 Bad Driving Habits You Should Break Today:
#1 - #5
1. Using Your Cell Phone While In The Driver's Seat
We're starting with this one because it is arguably one of the most prevalent and dangerous bad habits seen among drivers today. If your phone alerts you of a new text or social media notification while you're in the driver's seat, the temptation to check it immediately can be intense. Unfortunately, it only takes an instant for something bad to happen. Texting and driving has become one of the leading causes for car accidents and road deaths. Resist the temptation by putting your phone out of reach (such as in the backseat) while you're driving.
2. Tailgating The Car In Front Of You
We've all been there; you're in a hurry, the car in front of you is moving slowly, and in your impatience you drive closely behind their vehicle, hoping it will somehow encourage them to speed up. Unfortunately, tailgating the car in front of you often has the opposite effect - the driver in front may resent being followed so closely and tap their breaks or slow down to retaliate. In addition to creating unnecessary tension, tailgating is dangerous because it does not give you time to stop suddenly without running into the car ahead of you. Even if you're in a hurry, hang back a few car lengths. You will still get to your destination in the same amount of time.
3. Failing To Check Your Blind Spots
Every vehicle has a "blind spot," the part of your surroundings that cannot be seen from either your side or rear-view mirrors. If you forget to physically turn around and check over your shoulder before turning or changing lanes, you may collide with a vehicle you couldn't see in your mirrors. Many of today's newer car models offer blind spot protection by turning on warning lights or sounds if a vehicle is in your blind spot. While this can be a valuable resource, it's important not to become so reliant on it that you forget to double-check your surroundings.
4. Not Using Your Turn Signal
Your turn signal is more than just a common courtesy; it is an important way to let other drivers know where your vehicle is heading. By providing advance notice of your movement to other drivers, they can accommodate in any way they need to (e.g., slowing down to give you time to turn or merge into their lanes). In addition to being frustrating to other drivers, neglecting to use your turn signals can put you and those around you in danger. Turn on your turn signal far enough in advance that other drivers have time to react.
5. Speeding Through A Yellow Light
What do you do when you're approaching a traffic light and the light turns yellow? We all know we're supposed to slow down, but the temptation to speed up and make it through the light before it turns red can be strong. However, we sometimes fail to acknowledge the potential danger this presents. Every traffic light is a little bit different, and it's impossible to predict exactly how much time you'll have before the light turns red. If you are still in (or just entering) the intersection when the light turns red, you risk colliding with another driver who has the right of way. Depending on the state you live in, you also risk violating traffic laws and getting ticketed.
Check Back Next Week To See The Rest Of The List!
When tackling bad habits, it's important not to bite off more than you can chew. Starting with a small list of goals and accomplishing those before moving on to others can give you the motivation you need to keep going. Start with this list now, and then next week our car dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here to help you with the remaining five habits to work on. Good luck!
Remember Hulett For All Your Automotive Needs
If you are in need of a new car in Camdenton MO, new tires, or simple vehicle service at the Lake of the Ozarks like an oil change or tire rotation, remember our car dealership in Camdenton MO. We will be here to provide for all of your automotive needs!
Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMC
That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
Follow Us On Facebook
After you have been driving for several years, it's easy to become complacent. We form habits. We relax. Before too long, many of us end up driving "on auto-pilot." In order to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers, however, it is imperative that you remain alert every second that you are on the road. It's also important to take a conscious look at any of the driving habits you may have formed and evaluate them to determine whether or not they are worth keeping. If you have developed some bad habits, it's time to buckle down and take steps to break them. Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC is here to help you make it happen!
10 Bad Driving Habits You Should Break Today:
#1 - #5
1. Using Your Cell Phone While In The Driver's Seat
We're starting with this one because it is arguably one of the most prevalent and dangerous bad habits seen among drivers today. If your phone alerts you of a new text or social media notification while you're in the driver's seat, the temptation to check it immediately can be intense. Unfortunately, it only takes an instant for something bad to happen. Texting and driving has become one of the leading causes for car accidents and road deaths. Resist the temptation by putting your phone out of reach (such as in the backseat) while you're driving.
2. Tailgating The Car In Front Of You
We've all been there; you're in a hurry, the car in front of you is moving slowly, and in your impatience you drive closely behind their vehicle, hoping it will somehow encourage them to speed up. Unfortunately, tailgating the car in front of you often has the opposite effect - the driver in front may resent being followed so closely and tap their breaks or slow down to retaliate. In addition to creating unnecessary tension, tailgating is dangerous because it does not give you time to stop suddenly without running into the car ahead of you. Even if you're in a hurry, hang back a few car lengths. You will still get to your destination in the same amount of time.
Every vehicle has a "blind spot," the part of your surroundings that cannot be seen from either your side or rear-view mirrors. If you forget to physically turn around and check over your shoulder before turning or changing lanes, you may collide with a vehicle you couldn't see in your mirrors. Many of today's newer car models offer blind spot protection by turning on warning lights or sounds if a vehicle is in your blind spot. While this can be a valuable resource, it's important not to become so reliant on it that you forget to double-check your surroundings.
4. Not Using Your Turn Signal
Your turn signal is more than just a common courtesy; it is an important way to let other drivers know where your vehicle is heading. By providing advance notice of your movement to other drivers, they can accommodate in any way they need to (e.g., slowing down to give you time to turn or merge into their lanes). In addition to being frustrating to other drivers, neglecting to use your turn signals can put you and those around you in danger. Turn on your turn signal far enough in advance that other drivers have time to react.
5. Speeding Through A Yellow Light
What do you do when you're approaching a traffic light and the light turns yellow? We all know we're supposed to slow down, but the temptation to speed up and make it through the light before it turns red can be strong. However, we sometimes fail to acknowledge the potential danger this presents. Every traffic light is a little bit different, and it's impossible to predict exactly how much time you'll have before the light turns red. If you are still in (or just entering) the intersection when the light turns red, you risk colliding with another driver who has the right of way. Depending on the state you live in, you also risk violating traffic laws and getting ticketed.
Check Back Next Week To See The Rest Of The List!
When tackling bad habits, it's important not to bite off more than you can chew. Starting with a small list of goals and accomplishing those before moving on to others can give you the motivation you need to keep going. Start with this list now, and then next week our car dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks will be here to help you with the remaining five habits to work on. Good luck!
Remember Hulett For All Your Automotive Needs
If you are in need of a new car in Camdenton MO, new tires, or simple vehicle service at the Lake of the Ozarks like an oil change or tire rotation, remember our car dealership in Camdenton MO. We will be here to provide for all of your automotive needs!
Hulett Chevrolet Buick GMCThat's The Way We Do It At Hulett!
513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO 65020
www.ShopHulett.com
Sales: 573.317.4191
Service: 573.317.4195
Follow Us On Facebook
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