When warned against these terrible driving habits, arrogant drivers usually say, “It could never be me because I have been driving for ten years.” You may think it can never happen to you, but many people have had serious injuries, or worse, died as a result of the following driving habits that place every road user’s life at risk. AutoTrader put together a list of dangerous driving habits that have been normalised but are actually very dangerous because they can kill. If you are guilty of these driving habits in 2022, please stop immediately!
1. Driving when medicated
Alcohol is the usual suspect when people think of the phrase "driving under the influence", but certain medicines such as painkillers containing codeine, cough medicines, nausea and hay fever tablets, and other medications that can make you drowsy need to be avoided before getting behind the wheel. These medication side effects can be as detrimental as alcohol side effects. Make sure to read pamphlets if you are not sure.
2. Fiddling with your car’s radio or infotainment system/ touchscreen
They are designed to make our lives less complicated yet today’s new touchscreen systems can be very distracting. Looking for music, entering navigation details, or searching for phone numbers while you drive is dangerous and irresponsible. Pull over and rather do this while stationary, or let one of your passengers take care of it.
3. Eating/drinking/smoking behind the wheel
When you are concentrating on not having that piping hot garage pie filling falling down the front of your shirt, your focus isn’t entirely on the road, now is it? The same goes for that cup of coffee. Reaction time will be slower with only one hand on the steering wheel. And what will happen when you drop that burning cigarette on your lap?
4. Young kids in the front seat
Many adults are guilty of having their seatbelts on while their kids sit right next to them without one, or have a child sitting on an adult’s lap in the front seat. Why? When that airbag explodes, that child will get seriously injured, or die. Play your role as the adult and parent in the scenario and enforce a seatbelt rule. Saying “my child doesn't like wearing a seatbelt, plus this is a short trip, so it doesn't matter” is irresponsible because an accident can happen at any moment.
5. Driving with unrestrained passengers
According to AutoTrader, unsecured passengers are generally the cause of deaths of the ones belted in in most car accidents. Your chances of death or serious injury increase by as much as 25% when another person in the vehicle is not buckled up. This is because that ‘loose’ passenger becomes a deadly projectile that will crash into others on impact.
6. Driving with unrestrained pets
Even if you have trained your pets to sit completely still for the duration of the trip, a sudden stop can make your pet go flying through the windshield or into you. Rather restrain your pet safely in the car, or use a pet carrier and secure if safely.
7.Applying make-up while driving
While we may understand the constant pressure to look good at all times because of the beauty standards put upon women by society, please save the make-up application for the restroom bathroom if there is no time to do it at home. Refrain from applying your make-up while sitting behind the steering wheel because you will not be able to focus on both blending and driving at the same time.
8. Driving tired or when you are emotionally upset
Driving when you are sleep-deprived is as potentially harmful as driving under the influence. Your reaction time is poor, and the worst-case scenario: you can fall asleep behind the wheel and cause a fatal accident. If you have just had a terrible fight with someone or received bad news, please stay put until you have calmed down or ask someone else to drive you.
9. Not switching on your headlamps
South Africans generally have a love of neutral and pale-coloured cars. These colours are, however, the first colours to disappear as it gets cloudy or dark. Your ability to still see other road users clearly does not mean they can see you. Keeping your headlamps on at all times is advised if your car does not have daytime running lamps. Another terrible habit is dazzling oncoming traffic with your bright lights or putting them back on high beams too soon once you think the oncoming vehicle has already passed.
10.Texting while driving, checking email / social media
Speeding and texting while driving or being on the phone are off limits. Seriously, those two go without saying. You cannot still be doing that in 2022 while knowing the dangers. Nothing is urgent enough to risk your life and the lives of others on the road with you. Lock your phone in the boot if you are too tempted, or get your co-pilot to answer the phone or text back if needed.
Article credit : AutoTrader
