Motorists in South Africa have developed bad driving habits due to a quicker pace of life, impatience, and technology distractions.<\/p>\n
According to insurance company, Outsurance, it\u2019s time to recognise the habits which put us in harm\u2019s way and realise why they\u2019re habits worth breaking.<\/p>\n
Do you keep a safe following distance? It\u2019s easy to edge a little too close when you\u2019re fending off other drivers who like to cut in front because they\u2019re in a hurry. But, keeping a good following distance can help reduce the chances of having an accident, giving you enough space to react should the car in front of you suddenly brake.<\/p>\n
2. I have indicators?<\/strong><\/p>\n Every road user has somewhere to be and it\u2019s each driver\u2019s responsibility to let the vehicles around them know what they\u2019re intending to do, by using their indicators. Misusing or not using your indicators at all can put you at serious risk. It\u2019s more than just a courtesy to use your indicators, it\u2019s a way to prevent misunderstandings and accidents.<\/p>\n 3. Checking on the kids<\/strong><\/p>\n It\u2019s easy to become distracted when you have children in the car. Turning your attention away from the road to talk to or check on your children in the back seat is a bad driving habit. Rather find a place to stop and check on them.<\/p>\n 4. This is my jam<\/strong><\/p>\n The technology in cars is constantly improving; new music devices, cellphone connections and navigation systems. But these new gadgets, settings and options, can be distractions on the road.<\/p>\n 5. Too fast or too slow<\/strong><\/p>\n We all know speed kills. Driving too fast can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, putting you and all other road users in serious danger. But what you might not have considered is that driving too slowly can be just as much a threat on the roads as driving too fast.<\/p>\n It is extremely hazardous to drive dangerously slow into a lane where everyone is driving at the speed limit. Stick to the speed limit, and if we all drive according to the rules, the roads will run smoothly.<\/p>\n 6. Let me answer this call quickly<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019re on the road, your phone rings and you think \u201cI\u2019ll answer and make it quick\u201d. Accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Being on the phone impairs your driving ability and slows your reaction time because your focus is divided. Don\u2019t let answering your phone while driving become a habit.<\/p>\n 7. My way or the highway<\/strong><\/p>\n There\u2019s nothing worse than sitting in traffic after a long day to have people skip the long queue and push their way into your lane; the lane you waited in for half an hour. However irritated you may feel, you\u2019re more likely to cause an accident by refusing to let them in.<\/p>\n Even though it\u2019s about the principle, if letting that inconsiderate driver slip in front of you is the difference between getting home safely and a three car pile-up, letting them in and letting the frustration go is the safer option.<\/p>\n 8. I\u2019ll grab something on the way<\/strong><\/p>\n Taking one hand away from the steering wheel to munch on a quick takeaway burger might not seem like such a terrible thing, but you should avoid making eating while driving a habit. It\u2019s another distraction. If you eat while you\u2019re driving, you\u2019re not giving your full attention to what\u2019s happening around you.<\/p>\n 9. Makeup<\/strong><\/p>\n Time is never on our side. It seems we\u2019re always rushing from one place to the next. So we multitask. Applying makeup while driving is a good example.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re closing one eye and looking in the mirror with the other, you have no eyes on the road. Don\u2019t cause an accident because you ran out of time in the morning.<\/p>\n 10. Spectator value<\/strong><\/p>\n Human beings are curious creatures, which is why spectator value is a real problem. \u2018Rubbernecking\u2019, or slowing down to look at an incident on the road, is dangerous and could cause an accident of its own.<\/p>\n South Africa worst in the world for drunk driving<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n SA taxis are better at driving than you: expert<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on driving in SA<\/h3>\n