Around 37 people in the U.S. die every day because of drunk-driving crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, that works out to one person every 39 minutes.
Despite public awareness campaigns warning people about the dangers of drinking and driving, many motorists throw caution to the wind and operate cars while intoxicated. That’s maddening to those who understand that impaired driving has life-and-death implications.
Here are 10 other on-the-road behaviors that sensible drivers find highly offensive.
Driving at a Sluggish Pace
Few things are as maddening as driving behind a motorist driving at a sluggish pace. It’s one thing to be a cautious driver, but it’s another thing to be a slow poke clogging up a live lane.
Unless you want an aggravated driver to tailgate you — more on that later — pick up the pace. There’s no reason to drive at a sloth-like pace. That’s sure to upset other drivers.
Always observe the posted speed limit. Unless weather or road conditions are an issue, there’s no reason to drive 10 or 20 miles slower than the posted speed limit.
You had better have thick skin if you drive slower than you should. Other drivers may display their displeasure in ways that you don’t appreciate.
Tailgating
Have you ever seen someone tailgating another vehicle so closely that it almost appeared like the lead vehicle was towing the tailgater’s car? If that’s not too close for comfort, nothing is.
The problem with tailgating is that it puts all parties at risk. On the one hand, the driver being tailgated risks being rear-ended, and on the other hand, the tailgater risks rear-ending the vehicle ahead.
If you tailgate, stop doing it. Remember that you’re no more important than any other driver on the road. If they have to obey the rules of the road, so should you.
And if someone is tailgating you, switch lanes if you can do so safely. It might be tempting to slow down to frustrate the tailgater. But that could increase your accident risks.
Blasting Music
Motorists who turn up the volume too high also irritate many drivers. Most people like music. According to one source, musical anhedonia, a neurological condition experienced by people who don’t like music, affects a mere 5% of the population.
But even the remaining 95% who don’t dislike music can get ticked off if motorists blare their tunes too high — with their windows wide open, of course.
You can bet that drivers would rather enjoy music in their vehicles. They don’t want their ears violated by inconsiderate motorists who think nothing of blasting their music for all to hear.
Avoid cranking up the volume when enjoying music in your car. Those who share the road with you will thank you.
Weaving in and Out of Traffic
Yet another driver behavior many motorists would rather not deal with is weaving in and out of lanes.
People who do this often have no regard for their own safety or that of others using the road. It’s a dangerous habit that can make driving a less pleasant experience for good drivers.
Weaving in and out of traffic is all the more dangerous when the roads are busy. If you speed up, force your way into lanes, and cause other drivers to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid impact, that’s a no-no.
It’s a habit sure to earn you a traffic ticket if a police officer observes you driving unsafely.
Changing Lanes Without Signaling First
Changing lanes without signaling beforehand is another behavior that can get under the skin of other motorists.
If you’re driving and need to get into another lane, signal first. But that’s not all. After signaling, you must ensure it’s safe to merge into the lane. Trying to force yourself into the lane — come hell or high water — will raise the ire of other drivers.
If you signal and try to bully your way into a lane, even if doing so is unsafe, it’ll be hard for you to offer a justifiable motive if there’s an accident. Other drivers aren’t obliged to let you merge. It’s nice if they do, but they have to weigh whether or not they have the space to do so safely.
After activating your turn signal, make eye contact with the other driver before merging.
Driving Too Fast
Around one-third of motor vehicle fatalities over a two-decade period involved speeding as a factor. That’s something to consider. Driving too fast is fraught with risks.
You can bet that other motorists get peeved whenever someone is driving way too fast. It makes the roads and highways less safe for everyone.
You must exercise extra caution if the road or traffic conditions are challenging. Driving like a bat out of you know where will increase the risks of accidents on the road.
Driving Distracted
Have you ever witnessed another driver enjoying a meal behind the steering wheel? That’s okay if the hungry motorist is safely parked on the side of the road or in a parking lot. But it’s another thing if the driver chowing down on food while operating their vehicle.
It makes no sense for people to drive while distracted, but it happens far too often every day.
Some people are distracted by pets they allow to sit on their laps, others are distracted while changing the radio, and others are distracted while talking on the phone.
Texting is a common distraction. It’s also dangerous and potentially deadly. One source notes that sending or reading a text message takes someone’s eye off the road for five seconds. If you’re driving fast while texting, a lot of ground can be covered in five seconds.
Riding the Brakes
Motorists hate driving behind anyone who rides their brakes. If someone is always pressing on the brake pedal for no reason, that’ll throw off the normal flow of traffic.
Stop-and-go traffic is one thing. But pressing the brakes without rhyme or reason is another.
Riding the brakes isn’t just a bad driving habit. It’ll cause premature wear on the braking system.
If riding the brakes is a problem you struggle with, pay more attention on the road. You can anticipate the flow of traffic better and give the brakes a break if you’re more in tune.
Overusing the Horn
Another driver habit that can get under the skin of other motorists is overusing the horn. The horn serves a purpose and has its place, but leaning into it at the slightest provocation is wrong.
And even when you must use it, a light tap beats an aggressive honk. No one wants to be honked at. But if you must use your horn, use it to alert the offending driver.
Using Obscene Hand Signs
No one wants to be on the receiving end of obscene hand gestures from other drivers.
It’s bad behavior that can escalate and lead to road rage. If someone does this to you, ignore it. Reciprocating will worsen the situation.
Avoid These Bad Driver Behaviors Like the Plague
Driving is a privilege — not a right. That message has gotten through to everyone. You’ve probably seen some of these bad driver behaviors on the road. You may have committed some of them yourself. No one’s perfect. But keeping the streets safe requires everyone’s efforts.
