Top 10 Bad Driving Habits (and How to Overcome Them)

We all think we’re good drivers, but these 10 common bad habits could be putting us—and everyone else—at risk on the road!

10 bad habits most people commit while driving.

Let’s face it: most of us think we’re decent drivers. Maybe even a little better than decent, right? But then we catch ourselves weaving through traffic like we’re in some low-budget action movie or realizing we’ve been driving with our turn signal blinking for the last three miles.

We’re not alone in these missteps. Whether zooming through yellow lights or getting too cozy with our phones, these bad habits sneak into our daily commutes. And let’s be honest – they’re dangerous and downright annoying.

Let’s examine the ten bad habits most drivers have and why they’re worth kicking to the curb (before we kick the curb).

Top 10 Bad Habits Most Drivers Have (and How to Break Them)

From speeding to texting, many drivers develop habits that make the road less safe.

Simple fixes—like slowing down, keeping a safe distance, using turn signals, and avoiding distractions—can significantly improve safety and reduce stress for everyone on the road.

1. The Great Speed Limit Disregard

We’ve all done it. That speed limit sign is more of a “suggestion” than a hard rule, right? Wrong. Speeding is a bad habit that seems harmless but is a leading cause of accidents. The worst part? We don’t even realize we’re speeding half the time. Something about an open road makes us feel invincible as if we’re auditioning for Fast & Furious 12.

The solution? Pay attention. Set your cruise control if you must. Besides, nothing ruins your day faster than that blue and red light flashing in your rearview.

Why Do We Speed?

Speeding is often about impatience. Maybe we’re late to work, trying to shave off two minutes from our commute. But here’s the thing: those two minutes aren’t worth the risk of a crash – or worse, the cost of a speeding ticket.

2. Tailgating: The Ultimate Bully Move

Ah, tailgating. We believe that if we drive close enough to the car in front, we can get them to speed up. All we end up doing is making them nervous or angry and making ourselves look like jerks. It’s one of those habits that creep up on you, especially when you’re in a rush.

Why Tailgating is a No-Go

Besides being incredibly annoying, tailgating doesn’t help you get anywhere faster. You’re more likely to cause a fender bender than shaving off your commute time. Plus, it just adds stress to everyone’s day. Back off a little, and give yourself – and the car in front – some breathing room.

3. The Phantom Blinker

This one’s a classic. Either we forget to signal a turn or leave our blinker on long enough to convince the car behind us that we’re lost. Using a turn signal is basic driving etiquette, but apparently, it’s one of those skills that disappears after we pass the driving test.

The Problem with Not Using Turn Signals

Not signaling leaves other drivers guessing, and let’s face it, nobody’s good at guessing games in traffic. A surprise lane change or sudden turn can cause accidents or annoy everyone. Trust me, it’s a lot easier to flip that little lever than to deal with a honking chorus behind you.

4. The Rolling Stop

We’ve all pulled a “California roll” at a stop sign. You know, that half-hearted attempt at slowing down just enough to give the appearance of stopping, but not really. It’s one of those habits that sneaks into our routine, especially in familiar neighborhoods.

Why Stopping Matters

Aside from being illegal, rolling through stop signs is risky. Pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers assume you’re actually going to stop. Failing to do so can result in some close calls – or worse. Just take the extra second and come to a full stop. It’s not like you’ll lose a gold medal for not rolling through.

5. Texting While Driving (Yes, It’s Still a Thing)

Despite all the warnings, laws, and heart-wrenching public service announcements, we still see people with one hand on the wheel and the other furiously typing. We’ve all heard it before: texting while driving is dangerous. And yet, our phones keep calling to us from the passenger seat.

The Danger of Phone Distractions

It only takes a second to look down to cause a crash. No text, meme, or social media update is worth the risk. If you can’t resist the temptation, put your phone out of reach. Use hands-free options, or wait until you park. Seriously, those TikToks will still be there when you get home.

6. The Unnecessary Honking Habit

For some drivers, the car horn is their best friend. Whether it’s a red light just turned green or a pedestrian taking their sweet time crossing the street, they love to lay on the horn. But here’s the thing – honking doesn’t actually speed anything up. All it does is raise everyone’s blood pressure.

When to (and Not to) Use Your Horn

Honking should be reserved for emergencies or to alert other drivers of immediate danger. It’s not a tool for venting frustration. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re using your horn to hurry someone along, you probably don’t need to use it at all.

7. Left Lane Squatting

You know the type. They’re cruising in the left lane, going the exact speed limit, utterly oblivious to the line of cars piling up behind them. The left lane is for passing, people! Not for leisurely Sunday drives.

Why This Habit Needs to Go

Hogging the left lane forces faster drivers to weave around, creating dangerous situations. It’s a small courtesy to move over and let others pass. Plus, sticking to the right makes traffic flow smoother for everyone.

8. Distracted Eating

Look, I get it. Sometimes, we’re in a rush, and the only chance we have to eat breakfast is in the car. But balancing a coffee cup, a bagel, and the steering wheel isn’t a safe way to start the day. Eating while driving divides our attention and increases the chances of an accident.

The Solution? Time Management

It might seem impossible, but try eating before or after your drive. If you absolutely must eat on the road, stick to simple snacks. But whatever you do, save the spaghetti for when you’re parked.

RELATED: How to get the fast food smell out of your car

9. Road Rage: A Bad Day Waiting to Happen

Ah, road rage. We’ve all felt it simmering under the surface. Someone cuts us off, and we’re suddenly ready to star in our revenge thriller. While venting behind the wheel feels good, it’s not exactly productive – or safe.

How to Keep Your Cool

When you feel your blood pressure rising, take a deep breath. Is screaming at the car that cut you off going to change anything? Instead of letting road rage take the wheel, focus on getting to your destination safely. It’s just not worth the emotional energy – or the potential confrontation.

10. Ignoring Parking Etiquette

We’ve all been there. You finally find a parking spot, only to discover that someone has parked diagonally, hogging two spaces. It’s infuriating. And yet, there’s a good chance we’ve done it ourselves, too – from laziness or poor parking skills.

The Golden Rule of Parking

Parking between the lines isn’t just about courtesy; it’s about maximizing space for everyone. Take a moment to park correctly, and avoid making your fellow drivers plot revenge in the grocery store parking lot.

RELATED: Things more likely than finding a good parking spot

Why We Should Break These Bad Habits

Breaking these bad driving habits isn’t just about following the rules—it’s about safety, courtesy, and peace of mind. When we let these habits slide, we increase the risk of accidents, injuries, and costly fines.

Beyond the obvious dangers, holding onto bad habits makes driving more stressful for everyone, including ourselves. Extra care on the road goes a long way in creating a smoother, safer driving experience for all. After all, we all want to get to our destination in one piece.

Let’s do our part to make the roads safer by breaking these habits for good.

FAQs

Avoid eating in the car whenever possible, clean up immediately after meals, and use odor-absorbing products like baking soda or charcoal.

Yes, baking soda is safe for car seats and carpets. After letting it sit for a few hours, be sure to vacuum it up thoroughly.

If you notice persistent odors, you should replace the cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or more frequently.

While you can use household air fresheners, it’s better to use ones specifically designed for cars as they are formulated to handle the unique environment inside a vehicle.

The best approach is to clean up immediately, pick up trash, and vacuum crumbs. If necessary, follow up with an odor-eliminator spray.

Yes, steam cleaning can be very effective in removing fast food odors. It penetrates deep into fabrics to lift out grease and grime.

Conclusion: We Can Do Better With Bad Driving Habits

Let’s admit it: we all have moments of bad driving habits. The good news is they’re fixable. Whether it’s slowing down, giving other drivers space, or just putting our phones down for a moment, these small changes can make a big difference.

Driving should be a safe and stress-free experience, starting with kicking these habits to the curb or leaving them in the rearview mirror.