Bad driving habits develop in many different ways, and at Richard Schwartz and Associates P.A. of Mississippi we understand that these habits can be dangerous to individuals and other drivers on the road. Bad habits can include anything from texting while driving to zipping through the lanes. What makes these bad habits so dangerous is that they take the driver’s attention away from the road. Bad driving habits can also outrage other drivers on the road, and cause a dangerous case of road rage. At Richard Schwartz and Associates P.A. we have compiled a list of the top ten worst driving habits.

1. Driving distracted with an electronic device. Driving while texting, talking, or reading email on your cell phone is extremely dangerous, but tinkering with the GPS system, radio, or DVD player is just as dangerous. Adjust before you’re on the road, and put down the cell phone while driving.


2. Tailgaiting. This is when a person is following too closely behind another vehicle for an extended amount of time. Tailgaiting is so incredibly dangerous because there is not enough distance between the two vehicles to brake correctly. On top of this, tailgaiting can incite road rage from the person you’re tailing. Always leave proper distance between vehicles.


3. Zipping through Lanes. Some people have no issues with weaving in and out of traffic as quickly as possible. Drivers can be very inpatient and will often try to hurry by zipping through heavy traffic. Weaving in and out of traffic causes road rage from other drivers, and can cause accidents by other vehicles not seeing the vehicle whipping through traffic.


4. Not using turn signals. Navigating through heavy traffic without the use of turn signals is how vehicle slam into one another. Many people do not use their indicators, and this causes all kinds of accidents. Indicators were put on vehicles for a reason, and should always be used properly.

5. Speeding. Speeding is a difficult thing not to do sometimes. Especially when there is little traffic, many people unintentionally speed up over time. This is a dangerous habit that becomes even more dangerous in heavy traffic. When there are a lot of people on the road, predicting other driver’s actions is next to impossible. Speeding reduces your reaction time and increases the chances of a serious car wreck. Always follow the posted speed limit to reduce the chances of having an accident.


6. Improper lane selection. In the United States, slower traffic is always supposed to be on the right hand side. The left hand lanes are for passing and passing only. Many people will travel behind the flow of traffic in the left hand lane. Always get to the right if vehicles are traveling faster than you are.


7. Grooming while driving. Once again, sometimes its hard not to groom while you’re driving. Grooming includes doing your hair, adjusting your make-up, trying to get dressed, and even brushing your teeth. Sometimes its because you’re late to work, and others because you’re heading to a date. No matter the reason, grooming while driving is dangerous because it takes a person’s attention away from the road. Grooming before driving or once you’ve gotten to your destination is the safest way to get ready.


8. Eating in the car. This is one of those things that many people don’t know is dangerous. Eating while driving distracts a driver from the road, and makes their reaction time slower than if they ate at their destination or before driving. Make the choice, and abstain from eating while driving.


9. Disregarding street signals. Stop signs, traffic lights, the lines on the road…many people disregard all of these signals. Driving in this manner is reckless and can cause serious accidents. These signals were put in place for peoples’ safety and should always be obeyed. Not doing so could result in a serious car wreck.


10. Talking with Passengers. This is another of those things that people do not consider dangerous. However, talking with your wife or husband, arguing with the children in the backseat, or any in-depth conversation with a passenger can take your attention from the roadway. This makes a driver distracted, and increases the risks of drivers getting into a serious car accident.

At Richard Schwartz and Associates of Mississippi we understand that bad driving habits cause car wrecks every day. But with a little bit of awareness and concentration, many of these accidents can be prevented. Always remind yourself and others to focus on the road and drive safely. We all share the road; let’s make it a safer place to drive for all.