Top 5 bad habits new drivers should not pick up

After the euphoria of passing your driving test is over, it is really important to still keep the key messages taught to you by your driving instructor in the forefront of your mind. However, all too often, new drivers tend to quickly forget everything they have been taught and quickly fall into bad habits that negate the positive defensive driving techniques they have been taught.

The top five bad habits include the following:

• Failing to pay attention,
• Getting distracted with use of mobile phones and gadgets,
• Tailgating,
• Pushing in, and
• The speed up, slow down, speed up syndrome.

Failing to pay attention

During driving lessons, all drivers are taught that they need to be aware of their surroundings, to know who is behind and to the side as well as in front of them, and recognise potential hazards. Checking in the mirror every few seconds and remembering the mirror, signal and manoeuvre mantra, is part of the defensive driving technique that ensures you are in control and aware of what is happening around you. New drivers who forget this put, not only themselves but, other road users in danger.

Getting distracted with use of mobile phones and gadgets

Using mobile phones or trying to reset the satellite navigation system whilst on the move, is a habit that many drivers have and it detracts from keeping your attention focussed on what is happening around you. It is said that if driving and using a mobile then you increase the chances of an accident by up to 400%. Even reaching for a cold drink from a cup holder can be a distraction and you can be easily caught off guard.

Tailgating

Keeping to the two-second rule and not tailgating the car in front is really important. All too often new drivers will get so close to the car in front that if they had to put on the brakes, there would be no chance to avoid a collision. Picking a landmark on the highway, such as a post or sign, and ensuring the vehicle in front goes past it two seconds before you do, will give you space and time to react to a sudden stop. Driving schools advise not looking at your watch but saying the words, “one Mississippi, two Mississippi” as soon as the vehicle in front goes past the landmark which gives you an idea of whether you are far enough away or not.

Pushing in

When driving around in busy cities, one of the worst habits new drivers can get into is to confuse aggressive driving with defensive driving, and start pushing in at busy junctions making everyone else brake for them. This also occurs at highway exits and when changing lanes on the freeway. As a driver you need to look well ahead so that you can spot potential hazards or know when it is safe to change lanes, and this is all part of defensive driving techniques.

The speed up, slow down, speed up syndrome

Finally there is the speed up, slow down, speed up technique, often seen on the freeway particularly with drivers who feel aggrieved at being overtaken so have to put their foot on the accelerator and get in front again. Not only does this affect your fuel consumption but as the driver is fixated with getting past one vehicle they may well fail to spot a potential hazard ahead. All drivers from time to time should take intensive refresher driving courses and there are experienced driving schools in Perth who will give you an honest review of your driving skills and help knock those bad and potentially, life threatening habits on the head.

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Some of the information in this post was kindly provided by City West Driving School, Perth.