Habits form when you repeat an action until it's automatic. Drivers naturally cut corners on repeated actions, and without thinking those shortcuts become bad habits. The good news: good habits form the same way, by deliberately doing the right thing over and over.
The five bad-habit types
| Type | What it looks like |
|---|---|
| Laziness | Mirror-only checks, no head turn; not signaling |
| Impatience | Rolling stops, speeding stop to stop, weaving, tailgating |
| Inattention | Arm out window, chatting, daydreaming, drifting |
| Arrogance | Purposely in a hurry; competes; ignores laws and others |
| Ignorance | Wrong-lane turns; stopping at end of on-ramp |
Know the rule
Always come to a complete stop at a stop sign or red light, even when turning right and regardless of traffic.
Handbook p. 57 ↗Know the rule
Before changing lanes, pulling from the curb or getting out on the traffic side, turn your head and look behind you, not just in the mirror.
Handbook p. 57 ↗Know the rule
Never compete with an arrogant driver, or become one. There is nothing to gain and too much to lose.
Handbook p. 58 ↗More bad habits to avoid:
- Failing to yield to pedestrians or vehicles with the right-of-way
- Not always wearing safety belts or insisting passengers do
- Having alcoholic drinks before driving home 'to miss the traffic'
- Backing without first making sure the area is clear
- Letting passengers distract you
- Looking at maps or lighting smoking materials while driving
Distractions to handle before you drive:
- Eating, drinking, smoking
- Cell phone calls, writing, reading
- Grooming, applying makeup, shaving
- Changing CDs or radio stations
- Looking at things outside or searching inside the vehicle
- Talking to passengers, dealing with children or pets
Know the rule
To read a map or directions, pull over to a safe place and stop until you can give driving your complete attention.
Handbook p. 58 ↗Know the rule
Keep the radio low enough to hear sirens, horns and screeching tires. Don't drive with headsets or earphones that cover or go in both ears.
Handbook p. 59 ↗Know the rule
Even with hands-free equipment, a phone call takes your attention off driving. To talk, pull over to a safe place until the call is finished.
Handbook p. 59 ↗Know the rule
Pets shouldn't ride in the driver's lap; a carrier is the safest place.
Handbook p. 59 ↗Put it into practice
Your GPS loses signal in an unfamiliar neighborhood and you want to check a map. Don't glance down while rolling. Pull over somewhere safe, stop, sort out the route, then continue with full attention.