by Defensive Driving Team | in Defensive Driving Tips, Everyday Driver
Some people use driving as an escape, a way to clear their minds and distress. However, all too often, driving many places can inspire anger and tension than peace and calm. And nine times out of ten, it is someone else who is inspiring that rage. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could only drive when there was no one else on the road?
Unfortunately, we haven’t figured out a way to do that yet, so let’s all blow off some steam together and go through some of the most annoying habits that (ahem) other drivers have.
1. TALKING ON THE PHONE
Ever been on the freeway, and you notice that the car in front of you seems to be swerving slightly, varying speed, and driving erratically? You might think that they are drunk, but 90% of the time you will find they are talking on their phone. Do us all a favor, put the phone down and concentrate on the road!
2. EATING FOOD
It’s one thing if you want to grab a granola bar or a donut as you head out of the door in the morning, but it is quite another if you are eating a three course meal with a knife and fork in the front seat.
3. TAILGATING
For some reason, it doesn’t matter if you are already exceeding the speed limit, some drivers insist upon driving within an inch of your bumper. Not only is this incredibly annoying and unlikely to make you speed up, it is incredibly dangerous and you will both be in trouble if you are forced to brake suddenly.
4. NOT USING TURN SIGNALS
Sorry I almost ran into you. I might not have been blindsided if you signaled before entering my lane.
5. FREQUENT BRAKING
There is nothing more difficult than following a driver on the freeway who seems to drive with one foot on the brake at all times. It can soon become impossible to know whether they are actually braking or just being “cautious.” Defensive driving only goes so far!
6. SLOW DRIVING/LANE HOGGING
As annoying as tailgating is, it is equally annoying when someone insists upon driving slower than the rest of the traffic on the road. And what is worse, when that someone sticks to the ‘fast’ lane, determined to prevent anyone from passing them.
7. DRIVING IN YOUR BLIND SPOT
You’re about to change lanes, there’s no one else on the road, so you start moving … oh wait! Someone has been cruising along in your blind spot for the past 10 minutes and is now angry you almost hit them.
8. PREVENTING MERGING OR LANE CHANGES
What is even worse than this, is when you signal to change lanes, and the person behind immediately speeds up to prevent you from doing so. This is especially annoying when you are trying to merge onto a freeway. Let’s all help each other out and the traffic will move much smoother!
9. HIGH BEAMS ON A BUSY ROAD
We understand that you need to see, but do you really need to blind us all with your lights?
10. HESITANT DRIVERS
Aggressive drivers are a handful, but hesitant drivers are terrifying to be around. We don’t care if you are going to turn or not, but just make a decision either way.