When driving, there are certain habits we do very often that might seem harmless at first glance, but in fact, conceal incredible road hazards under their cloaks!
While speeding, distracted driving, and tailgating are well-known dangers, other, more subtle mistakes can go unnoticed. We might not realize that driving too slowly, sitting far from the wheel, or changing speeds too frequently can create hidden hazards. These mistakes might seem insignificant, but they can have surprising consequences.
Fasten your seatbelts as we shed light on 5 common yet unexpected driving mistakes and expose their hidden dangers.
Remember that selling a car in Dubai is easy if the vehicle is in good condition.
1- Driving Too Slowly
Driving slowly might be viewed as safe but on the contrary, it can be as dangerous as driving too fast! Don’t get confused. Low speeds are crucial when it’s foggy, raining, or there’s a car crash, but in normal circumstances, you shouldn’t be driving slower than the speed limit.
Slow driving can disrupt the flow of traffic, leading to frustration and potentially dangerous maneuvers by other drivers. It can also make you a bigger target for rear-end collisions. This is especially true on highways where people drive at high speed and collisions can be fatal! Ideally, you should stick to speed limits and avoid this habit on busy roads to safeguard yourself and others from accidents.
2- Not Checking Blind Spots
Imagine a zone around your car that disappears from your view, a hidden compartment that exists despite your best efforts with mirrors. This isn’t science fiction; it’s your car’s blind spot. While mirrors are meant to give a broad view of the road, they don’t capture everything. The space between the car’s edge and what the mirror shows creates a blind spot, exposing drivers to invisible, potential dangers.
Changing lanes? If you don’t check your blind spots, you run the risk of colliding with a speeding car, motorcycle, or even a pedestrian! Similarly, when turning right or left, you could be startled by an oncoming vehicle that was previously hidden, prompting sudden maneuvers that could lead to serious accidents. What should you do? A quick glance over your shoulder before changing lanes or turning will do the trick. You should also adjust your mirrors to minimize blind spots as much as possible, further contributing to road safety for yourself and others.
3- Not Using Signals
There is only one universal language on the road, it’s understood by everyone and it doesn’t use a single word. Turn signals are a simple way of communicating your maneuvers on the road with other drivers, avoiding confusion, possible rage, and most importantly accidents! Without them, other drivers can’t anticipate your next move, leading to sudden braking, unsafe lane changes, and road rage.
By signaling your intentions to turn or merge, you promote a cooperative environment and allow others to react calmly, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. So, remember, those little blinkers are silent guardians of a safe and predictable driving experience for everyone.
4- Sitting Incorrectly
Driving can sometimes be a strenuous activity, prompting drivers to adjust their seats to increase comfort, especially when the drive is long. However, getting too comfortable can sometimes lead to undesired results!
A slouched posture weakens your core and reduces your leverage on the steering wheel. This can make it harder to react quickly and maneuver the car precisely in an emergency. Furthermore, it can also limit your ability to see over the steering wheel and properly scan your surroundings. This can increase blind spots and make it harder to spot potential hazards. By prioritizing proper posture, you’re not just promoting comfort; you’re actively improving your control, focus, and overall safety behind the wheel.
5- Inconsistent Speeds
Cruise control isn’t the only way to maintain a consistent speed. Erratic acceleration and braking disrupt the flow of traffic like a rogue wave in a calm ocean. Imagine a driver constantly speeding up to pass cars, then slamming on the brakes to avoid tailgating. This stop-and-go creates a chain reaction, forcing others to adjust their speed abruptly.
Not only is it frustrating, but it can also lead to accidents as drivers misjudge following distances or make risky maneuvers to compensate for the unpredictable car ahead. Maintaining a consistent speed, even in moderate traffic, promotes a smoother flow and allows for better anticipation by everyone on the road.
Remember that you can cash your car in UAE quickly and without hassle as long as the car you want to sell is in good condition.