Dangerous "Driver" Sins!

Do you know the 12 driver errors - or bad habits - which cause more than two-thirds of highway accidents?

GOING TOO FAST. Its a simple fact of physics. The faster you go, the less time you have to react to emergencies, the harder you hit and the greater your chances of death or serious injury. Speeding is responsible for 30 percent of all fatal crashes.

GOING TOO SLOW. Although drivers seldom get ticketed for this, it's a major irritant and danger to other motorists.

TAILGATING. Following too close is a dangerous habit. Motorists don't realize that, at 60 miles an hour, it takes the average vehicle from 120 to 160 feet to stop. If you are being tailgated, look for a change to move over.

BAD PASSING. Keep right except to pass. When you do pass, do it smoothly and progressively. Then, move back over as soon as you can clearly see the vehicle you just passed in the rear view mirror. One good rule is to be sure that you can see both headlights of that vehicle before pulling right again. Also, pass only in the left, and never use the shoulder.

FAILURE TO USE TURN SIGNALS. You can prevent an accident if other drivers know what you're going to do well in advance of turning or changing lanes.

POOR LANE DISCIPLINES. Stay in your lane. Don't ride the center line, drive from side to side, zigzag through traffic, bully your way into another lane or hog the fast lane. When changing lanes, look before you leap. Even with your mirrors adjusted properly, you can't see everything. So, look over your shoulder for a last-second check.

NOT ALLOWING A MERGE. We do a lot of lane merging today at entrance and exit ramps, three lanes down to two, two lanes to one and so on. When it is the other driver's turn, to merge, let him or her in. The simple act of courtesy is the most logical way to move traffic.

FAILURE TO YIELD. That triangle sign means what it says. It doesn't mean hit the gas, come to a complete stop or muscle your way into traffic.

IGNORING RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS. Stopping for red lights and stop signs is the most basic rule of driving. A red light or stop sign means stop completely. Yellow means caution. If you have the time and distance to brake when the light changes to yellow, do it.

BLOCKING AN INTERSECTION. This is selfish and inconsiderate. Try to anticipate the traffic flow and never drive into an intersection when you know there is no chance to make it across before the traffic light changes. If you have blocked a pedestrian crosswalk, don't back up. People might be walking behind you.

BAD MANNERS. This includes a multitude of sins such as cursing, obscene gestures, excessive honking, loud stereo, refusing to merge, littering and many other actions of rudeness or selfishness. Courtesy and consideration makes driving safer and more enjoyable.

IGNORANCE. This trait can be fatal. Make sure that you know all the traffic laws, signs and markings, Once you know them, obey them.

These commonly seen driving errors can be deadly, whether they are committed alone or combined with physical distractions which drivers can come across on the roadway. Stay focused on your driving, and don't take a chance with bad driving habits.

[Article by Kim Quinn; article reprinted from the September 21, 1995 issue of the Times Union Automotive Weekly]