Bad Habits to Avoid While Driving a Car

Bad Habits You Secretly Have While Driving a Car

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people assume years of experience make a difference on the roads – and it does, to a degree. But all it takes is a few misguided steps or mistakes to either do enough damage to your car or cause serious injury to yourself as well as others on the road, within seconds. Someone’s worst habit could be your worst nightmare, and vice versa. From mindless driving practices to obvious mistakes and bad judgement, these habits can cause serious long-term problems. 

Arrive Alive spoke to defensive driving experts and expanded on the definition of what a bad driving habit is: “It’s any driving technique which is illegal or not in line with international best practice. It is any regular activity that can and will harm your safety while driving. Most of the time, these habits are present without the driver even knowing about them.”

With that in mind, it’s time for motorists to normalise responsible driving, unlearn bad habits, and correct awkward behaviours for the sake of safety.

Habits that Can Ruin Your Car

You may not realise it now, but it’s the small habits that add up. Over time, whether you’ve been driving the same car for 20 years or switching it up every 2 to 5 years, you eventually get used to your own driving. While some habits are incredibly innocent and become second nature, others can do some serious damage when you least expect it. 

Here are a few habits that you unknowingly do that will eventually ruin your car:

1. Riding the brakes / harsh braking
   Can put extra strain on your tyres and your brake pads. Gradually reduce speed over a long distance rather than hitting it at full speed over shorter distances. 
2. Ignoring routine maintenance
   Means overstressing your vehicle, reducing performance and fuel efficiency, and putting others at risk. Service Plans are designed to keep your car on the road for longer and running as it should. Don’t skip them. 
3. Overloading the car
   Forces it to take on extra weight it wasn’t designed to handle. This is a sure way to increase fuel consumption, contribute to mechanical failures, and cause overheating. 
4. Harsh acceleration and cornering in tight turns
   Increase wear on the engine, transmission, and suspension. Reckless driving behaviour poses a risk to everyone's safety, too. 
5. Ignoring dashboard lights
   Is a no-no. It’s like your car’s body clock telling you to get on it before chaos ensues. 
6. Running on low fuel
   Isn’t just a metaphor for a lack of coffee. This can overheat the pump, clog filters and injectors with whatever’s at the bottom of your tank, and could cause engine misfires. 

A lot of these bad habits can be unlearned, as it’s about staying on top of the good ones. Try to avoid paying out-of-pocket for repairs or filing unnecessary car insurance claims down the road. 

Habits That Are Really Dangerous 

These types of habits do show up in road fatalities. The list of dangerous driving patterns is endless, with some appearing to be more obvious than others. Unfortunately, most drivers might not be aware that these habits are incredibly dangerous. 

• Medicated and driving: Driving under the influence doesn’t just stop at alcohol, it includes medication, too. Read the side effects of your medications and look out for those that mention “serious drowsiness” and “impairment”. 
• Using the Infotainment system:  It seems ironic, but touchscreen monitors are incredibly distracting to drivers. Looking away even for just a second makes a difference. 
• Smoking/eating/drinking: Smoking, eating food, and drinking can appear harmless to confident drivers, but it is incredibly risky. Your reaction time is much slower, and there is an increased risk of distraction from food spills and burns. 
• Driving with unsecured pets and passengers: Should an accident happen, pets not secured in car seats and passengers without seat belts act as projectiles or cause unnecessary distractions. 
• Driving when emotional or fatigued: Dealing with high emotions and driving tired makes it extremely difficult to concentrate. These are both risky, as your reaction time is poor, you’re not focused, and you also have a chance of falling asleep behind the wheel.
• Using your smartphone behind the wheel: There is no reason to use your phone while driving, including in stop-start traffic. This includes using the infotainment system. Prepare your commute in advance (like GPS, music playlists, and text messages).

Arrive Alive has a few of its own bad habits that we’ve added to the list: 

• Bad attitude: includes aggressive driving, a lack of patience, and road rage.
• Tailgating across intersections.
• Improper seating position (too low, high, or far back). 
• Driving in the wrong footwear.

And much more. 

How to Drive a Car Like a Responsible Motorist 

Driving responsibly shouldn’t require much effort, it should be standard. As reports show, distracted driving has been a serious issue behind South Africa’s road accidents, and it’s easy to see why. 

Here’s how you can make a difference as a responsible driver: 

1. Read up on defensive driving tips. 
2. Understand how the traffic laws work in South Africa. 
3. Don’t be overconfident. 
4. Integrate good habits into daily driving. You can follow and apply some practical car tips to learn more about responsible motoring. 
5. Avoid distractions: don’t use the touchscreen or your smartphone until you’re off the road. 

The Bottom Line: Your Role in Road Safety

Unfortunately, the road will continue to show risks. Without enforcement and driver education, it can feel like a losing battle. Sadly, many people believe they’re well-versed in driving and can multitask or handle whatever comes their way. This isn’t always true, and this attitude is what makes driving so dangerous. 

But this is where you and others can make a difference.

Remember to stay focused, acknowledge and unlearn bad habits, and don’t be overconfident.