Driving is hard. Really, really hard. It requires constant attention and multitasking, so it’s easy to get distracted from the road or your surroundings.

And that’s exactly what happens when you do any of these things while behind the wheel:

6 Driving Mistakes That RUIN Your Car And Make You BROKE

Takeaways
– Avoid common driving mistakes like speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving.
– Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs.
– Stay alert and focused on the road while driving, and avoid distractions like texting.
– Make sure your car is in good working condition, and avoid overloading your vehicle.
– Be aware of the worst driving habits on the highway, and make an effort to avoid them.

Table of Contents

You’re Driving Too Fast For The Conditions

One of the most common causes of accidents is driving too fast for conditions. Slippery roads, bad weather and other factors can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

And if that happens, don’t assume that other drivers will be able to react to your actions in time.

It’s important to pay attention at all times while driving so that you can drive safely at all times.

Road trips are meant to be fun and enjoyable, but you must take the necessary precautions to ensure your safety on the road. Our guide on 16 Simple Steps to Avoid a Car Accident offers simple yet effective tips on how to stay safe during your next adventure.

You’re Using Cruise Control In Bad Weather

Cruise control should be used only on flat roads with good visibility and dry pavement, not when the weather is bad or the road surface is slippery.

If you find yourself driving with cruise control in a blizzard, it’s likely that your car has lost traction and can’t maintain speed without intervention from you.

In this case, stepping on the brakes will send your vehicle into an uncontrolled skid that could lead to an accident or rollover and that would make even Brangelina look like they’re having fun on their honeymoon!

It may sound obvious, but remember: always stay alert while driving and don’t rely on technology that was never meant for use during inclement conditions.

You Drive With Your Cruise Control Set To The Speed Limit When The Limit Is Too High.

Cruise control is meant to be used on highways and long stretches of road. It helps you keep your speed in check when you’re going up a steep hill or maintaining a constant speed at night, when it’s hard to see how fast you’re going.

Cruise control should not be used on local roads unless absolutely necessary, such as if traffic conditions are bad and there is no other option for getting around safely.

If you have cruise control set but need to slow down for any reason (a car pulling out from ahead or another driver suddenly cutting them off), immediately turn off the cruise control and shift back into manual mode so that you can slow down quickly without having to worry about hitting the brakes too hard or skidding out of control.

Cruise control also should never be used in bad weather conditions such as rain, snow or fog these all require constant attention from drivers due their slippery surfaces making driving difficult even without any extra distractions like an unsafe speed setting on your vehicle’s accelerator pedal!

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents on the road, but it is preventable. Our guide on 15 Simple Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving provides practical tips on how to avoid distractions and keep you and your passengers safe while driving.

You Don’t Know What’s Going On Around You

It’s important to be aware of what’s happening around you. Don’t let yourself get distracted by your phone or other people, the radio or other music, or your passengers.

If you’re not paying attention to your driving and what’s going on around you, then you’re not driving safely at all. Stick to the road and focus on driving it could save your life!

Situational Awareness Table

Situation	Significance	Potential Consequence of Ignoring
Rear-End Collision	Failure to maintain a safe following distance	Risk of a rear-end collision resulting in injury or property damage
Intersection Safety	Failure to scan for hazards and obey traffic signals	Increased risk of intersection collisions resulting in serious injury or death
Pedestrian Safety	Failure to watch for pedestrians when approaching crosswalks	Increased risk of pedestrian accidents resulting in serious injury or death
Blind Spot Monitoring	Failure to check blind spots before changing lanes	Increased risk of side-impact collisions resulting in serious injury or death
Speed Limits	Failure to obey posted speed limits	Increased risk of accidents due to reduced reaction time
Work Zones	Failure to recognize and obey work zone signage and traffic controls	Increased risk of accidents due to reduced visibility and changing road conditions

Having situational awareness while driving is crucial for avoiding accidents and keeping yourself and others safe on the road. By being aware of potential hazards and remaining vigilant, you can reduce your risk of accidents and injuries.

You’re Not Drinking Enough Water While Driving Long Distances

You might be cramping up, getting nauseous, and feeling like you’re going to pass out at the wheel.

If that’s how you feel, then your body is telling you that it needs more water. It’s important to stay hydrated while driving long distances because dehydration can lead to fatigue and poor performance behind the wheel.

Drinking lots of water will not only help prevent dehydration, but also keep you feeling full longer so that you don’t need snacks or a meal break as often.

Plus, when your body has enough water in it already so long as the rest of your diet is healthy it won’t crave carbonated sodas or sugary drinks for added flavor!

Car maintenance is crucial for ensuring your safety on the road. Our guide on The Top 15 Car Maintenance Tips for Keeping Your Vehicle Safe on the Road offers practical advice on how to keep your car running smoothly, spot potential problems, and fix minor issues yourself.

You Think You Can Handle Texting While Driving

You might be able to text, but that doesn’t mean that you’re not looking at the road. If a car were to come out of nowhere, you’d still need to be able to react quickly enough.

Even if you’re looking at the road and not your phone, having both hands on a phone (one for typing and one for holding) means that a hand won’t be able to control your vehicle in an emergency situation.

And even if all of this is true, being distracted for up to 27 seconds by something as simple as sending someone a text message could result in tragedy for yourself or others around you!

Everyone Else On The Road Is A Crazy Person

It’s much easier to think everyone around you is a crazy driver than it is to realize that you might be the one making the mistake.

But if you’re going to survive, it’s important for you not only to recognize your own mistakes, but also those of other drivers.

Don’t assume every other driver is drunk or crazy: If someone runs a red light in front of you, don’t immediately assume they were drunk or on drugs—they may have just had a sick kid at home and didn’t want to miss their doctor appointment.

Don’t assume every other driver will fall asleep behind the wheel: You should always keep your seatbelt on while driving—it could save your life!

There are many myths about car safety that could put you and your passengers at risk. Learn the truth about car safety with our guide on 15 Deadly Myths About Car Safety That You Need to Know and stay informed to make the right decisions when it comes to keeping yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

You’re Ignoring Your Car’s Other Warning Systems

If you’re not looking for the sound of your engine and paying attention when it changes, you might miss warning signs that something is wrong.

For example, if you have an older car with a manual transmission and drive like I do (under 10 miles per hour), you may not notice when the engine shuts off while driving unless it’s very quiet outside and there aren’t any other vehicles around.

This could be indicative of an issue with your alternator or battery—or even signal that they need to be replaced altogether!

Additionally, modern cars have many other warning systems built into them as well:

Dashboard lights
Warning alerts from mobile apps connected to your car’s diagnostics system

Warning System	Purpose	Potential Consequence of Ignoring
Check Engine Light	Indicates issues with the engine	Risk of engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased emissions
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Indicates issues with tire pressure	Risk of tire failure, poor handling, and reduced fuel efficiency
Oil Pressure Warning Light	Indicates issues with oil pressure	Risk of engine damage or failure
Brake Warning Light	Indicates issues with the brakes	Risk of brake failure or reduced braking ability
Blind Spot Monitoring System	Alerts driver of objects in blind spots	Increased risk of collisions while changing lanes
Forward Collision Warning	Alerts driver of potential collisions	Increased risk of front-end collisions
Lane Departure Warning	Alerts driver when drifting out of lane	Increased risk of lane departure and collisions

Ignoring warning systems in your car can result in serious consequences, such as damage to your engine, decreased fuel efficiency, and increased risk of collisions. It is important to take these warnings seriously and address any issues promptly to ensure your safety on the road.

You Believe You Are Invincible And Will Never Be Hurt Or Killed While Driving Because It Happens To Other People, Not You

You believe you are invincible and will never be hurt or killed while driving because it happens to other people, not you.

You’ve heard of the saying that “it only takes one car wreck to change someone’s life forever.” This is because driving a vehicle is a dangerous activity that comes with risk. Whether it’s an accident caused by another driver, or your own mistake while driving on the road, it only takes one second for things to go wrong and leave someone seriously injured or dead in their vehicle. While some may think they are safe from harm while they drive alone in their car, this could not be further from the truth.

The more people drive over time (and age), the greater chance there is that something bad will happen while they’re behind the wheel of their vehicle – especially if they make mistakes like being distracted when behind the wheel or speeding too fast down busy streets where pedestrians cross frequently.

When you’re behind the wheel, certain times of the day and year are more dangerous than others. Our guide on The Most Dangerous Times to Drive highlights the riskiest times and provides tips to help you stay safe while driving.

You Don’t Have An Emergency Kit In Your Car

You need to have an emergency kit in your car at all times. This should include a flashlight and blanket, a first aid kit, water and food items that won’t spoil, spare tire, jack and lug wrench (and possibly flares).

You should keep it in the trunk or backseat so you can access it if you get into trouble.

You’re Not Wearing Proper Footwear

Wear comfortable shoes that are appropriate for the weather. Flip flops, high heels and sandals with open toes are not suitable for driving or operating a vehicle in any way.

Loose clothing that could get caught in car doors should also be avoided (this includes scarves and long hair).

Improper Footwear Table

Footwear Type	Safe to Wear When Driving?
Flip-flops	No
High heels	No
Thick boots	No
Athletic shoes	Yes
Driving moccasins	Yes
Loafers	Yes

It is important to wear appropriate footwear while driving to ensure safety on the road. Some types of footwear, such as flip-flops, high heels, and thick boots, can be a hazard while driving as they can reduce your control over the pedals. Instead, consider wearing athletic shoes, driving moccasins, or loafers for optimal safety while driving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there is no doubt that you should be more careful while driving. But even if you do everything right, there are still other things that could go wrong.

For example, accidents can happen because of bad weather conditions or another vehicle being in front of your own car at a stoplight with its brake lights on. There’s no telling what could happen next!

FAQs

What Are the Most Common Driving Mistakes?

Some of the most common driving mistakes include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, and failing to signal before turning.

How Can I Avoid Damaging My Car While Driving?

To avoid damaging your car while driving, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, avoid overloading your vehicle, and drive on smooth roads whenever possible.

What Should I Do If a Driver Is Tailgating Me?

If a driver is tailgating you, avoid speeding up or braking suddenly. Instead, signal and change lanes when it’s safe to do so, or pull over and let the driver pass.

How Can I Stay Safe While Driving on the Highway?

To stay safe while driving on the highway, avoid distractions like texting and turn off your phone, stay alert and focused on the road, and make sure your car is in good working condition.

What Are Some Pet Peeves for Highway Drivers?

Some pet peeves for highway drivers include drivers who don’t signal before changing lanes, drivers who don’t obey the speed limit, and drivers who hog the passing lane.