There were 12 driving behaviors identified as “most likely to annoy or offend drivers in the United States,” according to a 2016 study conducted by market and consumer data company Statista. When it comes to annoying behavior or offensive behavior, texting or emailing drivers or those talking on a phone while driving were considered the most irritating. They’re also the most likely to cause car accidents.
- Texting: By far, the biggest annoyance is texting drivers. But not only are these distracted driving motorists frustrating to other drivers, they’re a major hazard. Texting is involved in a significant number of traffic accidents. Not giving your complete attention to the task at hand is a recipe for a traffic accident and, in far too many cases, a fatal accident.
- Tailgating: Riding very closely behind another driver is annoying to all involved. It’s aggressive behavior and, while the message you’re sending that they’re not going fast enough and they’re annoying you is very clear, tailgating is no guarantee that you will get where you want to go faster or that the person driving slowly will allow you to go by them. Tailgating means you’re too close to the car in front of you. If they stop short, you’ll slam into their bumper, and that’s a car accident that could easily be avoided with polite driving behavior.
- Occupying the passing lane without moving: Drive where you’re supposed to – it’s a simple rule of the road. If you’re in the left-hand passing lane, leisurely driving to your destination, you will not only bother other drivers, you will encourage them to exhibit unsafe behavior to teach you a lesson or just get around you.
- Changing lanes without signaling: Other drivers deserve to know where you are headed and when. Signal appropriately, especially when changing lanes, so you don’t get hit from behind or the side, and so you don’t find yourself causing other accidents as drivers hit the brakes because of your unexpected lane shift.
- Multi-tasking: The brain simply cannot multi-task. It is not built that way. You may think you can check your messages at the stop light, but refocusing again once the light turns green takes too much time. Accidents happen in a second, and if your brain isn’t fully on the road ahead, you’re not only annoying, you’re dangerous.
- Driving well below the speed limit: There are speed limits to keep roads safe, but just as traveling too fast is a problem, driving below the speed limit is unsafe too. You are more likely to be tailgated, plus your behavior could create a desperate driver who just wants to get around you and will pass even where it isn’t safe to leave you in the dust. You don’t have to drive slower because you feel it’s safer – go the speed limit, follow the laws, and you’ll be good.
- Straddling two lanes or weaving between them: This kind of driving behavior can be indicative of many things: texting, driving drunk, or driving while drowsy. These behaviors mimic one another. The short story is this: Choose your lane and stay in it, or risk hitting someone else or being hit.
- Speeding: Every licensed driver knows that speeding is against the law and a danger to yourself and other drivers. Even if you’ve memorized the road you’re on and could drive it with your eyes closed, that doesn’t indicate that speed is OK. Stay within the confines of the laws set for the road you’re on – it will save you from traveling too quickly where you aren’t supposed to and give you the room to stop short should it be necessary.
- Honking: It’s annoying, and alarms other people. Honking also makes some drivers mad, especially if they are not guilty of the driving problem you seem to think they are. Avoid antagonizing other drivers and just drive.
- Not letting others merge: A common occurrence during rush hour, when everyone just wants to get home, preventing others from merging is a major contributor to fender benders. This behavior is also a sure route to road rage for the frustrated commuter who isn’t afraid to get in an argument with a fellow driver.
- Not giving a gesture of thanks: You may be having a cranky day, or you just don’t think it’s necessary to say thanks when you have the right of way. Manners are important while driving, and whether you or another party acknowledges a kindness, this fact remains: There are certain ways to act behind the wheel. Be conscious of them and act accordingly.
- Inching closer to the light when red: In the driving version of crowding the plate, this behavior could signal to the driver next to you that you’re gearing up for a race. Inching up may just mean you’re in a hurry or anxious for the light to change – in which case, drive with caution and continue to follow speed limits. You’ll get there when you get there. Move any faster than the legal limits a car accident could absolutely result.
If you have been in a car accident because of a distracted driver or otherwise, contact Thurswell Law for a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys are prepared to get you the compensation you deserve. We do not charge any fees unless you collect. Call (248) 354-2222 today to schedule your consultation.
