Your perfect double-handed grip on the steering wheel may slip slightly over time, and impaired driving habits may also set in. Whether you realize such a thing is happening, understand that some driving habits are annoying and can affect the safety of your car. Not only that, they could be illegal.
However, some drivers don’t even realize that some things they do on the road irritate others. This article highlights five top signs you are an annoying driver.
- You Always Fail to Use a Turn Signal
You shouldn’t expect other drivers to know where you’re headed if you don’t alert them. So, you should always use a turn signal whenever necessary. Failure to do so can throw other drivers off and put you in harm’s way. Perhaps the most annoying driving habit is slowing down to turn without putting on your blinker.
Doing so may catch drivers behind you off-guard, and you could get rear-ended. The bottom line is that it becomes frustrating when other drivers don’t know where you intend to go.
- You Always Fail to Turn Off High-beam Headlights
Using your high beams when oncoming traffic is inconsiderate. They can be blinding and distracting to other drivers. Another annoying habit is flashing your high beams at others.
Your intention might be to alert oncoming traffic to speed traps. That may be helpful to other drivers, but it is a habit you must avoid. Failing to turn off your car’s high beams also means other drivers will struggle to keep their eyes open, and squinting affects their visibility. You could end up causing an avoidable accident because you have no idea that turning your high beams off is a safety precaution.
- You Always Drive 10mph Below the Speed Limit
Some drivers need to be more confident driving 80 mph in an 80-mph zone. The exciting bit is that most drivers who do 70 mph in an 80 mph zone continue the same speed through a 60 mph zone.
That’s not only annoying but also dangerous. The implication here is that if you’re going to drive slower than the rest of the pack, the least you can do is remain consistent. Otherwise, you’ll put yourself and other drivers in harm’s way.
Also, it can be frustrating to others if you’re driving ten mph below the speed limit and motorists behind you cannot pass. So, driving below the set speed limit in such situations drives those behind you up the wall.
- You Always Tailgate Other Cars
Undoubtedly, tailgating is annoying for both parties in such a situation. The reason is that the driver in the back is angry that the one in front cannot go faster, and the driver in the front is uneasy because the car behind them won’t keep off their bumper.
That is unnecessary tension. Over and above, tailgating can lead to intentional reactions such as brake checking and accidents. When passing another driver is safe, you should do so in a different lane if you want to go faster. However, if overtaking isn’t an option, maintain a reasonable and prudent distance from other vehicles.
- You Always Switch Lanes at the Last Minute
You cannot afford to make assumptions while on the road because you don’t know other drivers’ intentions. That’s especially true while driving in a lane that merges into another or when switching lanes.
If you intend to switch lanes, don’t do it hastily. Use your blinker, and always check your side mirror and blind spot before switching lanes. A last-minute lane change is dangerous and can cause accidents.
Conclusion
If you do any of these while driving, knowing that it irritates other drivers is essential. Some of these habits are downright annoying, while others are not just annoying but dangerous and also go against Nigerian traffic laws.
