11 Driving Mistakes That Drive Other Drivers Nuts
Updated: Dec. 02, 2022
The driver in front of you slows down for seemingly no reason. The driver behind you is a bit too close for comfort. No turn signals, no headlights, and no parking skills—here are 11 driving mistakes that drive other drivers nuts.
No parallel parking skills
Users on Reddit noted that drivers who aren’t skilled at parallel parking can get on their nerves. Many noted watching unskilled parallel parkers even bump and scrape other cars while trying to get into a parking spot. Yikes! On a related note, here are the 20 things car thieves don’t want you to know.
Cutting someone off
“Whether or not your intent is malicious, cutting off another motorist is bad manners at best and downright dangerous at worst,” says U.S. News and World Report. Be sure to check your mirrors and your blind spots before moving lanes or turning so you don’t force others to change paths. Here are some more rules for driving etiquette you should know.
Using the Phone
Collisions happen when you’re not paying attention. Many Reddit users said talking on the phone and texting while behind the wheel are two of their biggest pet peeves. And even if you don’t cause a collision, you can weave in and out of lanes and create confusion for other drivers. Put down that phone! This is also why you should stop charging your phone in your car.
Sitting at a green light
Other drivers want you to pay attention, even when you’re sitting at a light. U.S. News and World Report notes wasting time at a green light not only causes traffic backups, but irritates other drivers around you. These 20 car hacks will make driving so much better.
Driving too fast for conditions
While it’s best to follow the rules of the road, sometimes weather conditions can force you to slow down and go below the speed limit. Users on Reddit noted that if you are driving too fast for the conditions—such as during a rain or snow storm—you’re putting all the other drivers at risk. And to ensure that you stay in other drivers’ good graces, make sure you know how to “zipper” merge.
Not using your turn signal
Signaling your intention to turn is one the most basic acts of courtesy one can engage in while driving, notes Car Talk. “It’s not hard to hit the lever down to go left or up to go right,” said one Reddit user. “Give me some indication of which way you’re going!” Increase your driving comfort with these eight tips.
Leaving on high beams
Sometimes it’s just a mistake, but drivers note they want everyone to be more thoughtful when it comes to turning off their high beams when approaching other vehicles. Car Talk notes that if you blind an oncoming driver with your high beams, they might not be able to judge where your car is and could crash into you.
Staying in the far left lane
Drivers on Reddit note they can’t stand when slower drivers stay in the far left lane and hold up traffic. Bottom line: Use the left lane for passing and then move over to the right. If you aren’t passing, stay out of the left lane. To be as safe as possible on the road, find out the best ways to handle 11 scary driving situations.
Not cleaning snow off your car
You see it every winter—drivers hit the road before thoroughly cleaning the snow off their car. That snow can cause collisions if it slides or blows off, making conditions difficult for the cars behind. In some states, according to Car Talk, not cleaning off your windshield before driving is against the law. Want to avoid this situation? This is how to never scrape your windshield again.
Tailgating
Drivers want you to stop riding their tail. “I call them ‘road bullies,'” said one Reddit user. “They are usually large SUVs that tailgate you on the highway when you’re already going 75 mph in the center right lane and there are lanes open on either side of you. This happens to me all the time and I’ve no idea what their motives are.”
Not using headlights
Just because you can see, that doesn’t mean other drivers can easily see you. “I can’t stand when drivers don’t turn on their lights when it is gloomy and/or rainy out,” said one Reddit user. “It’s tough to see you when I want to turn and switch lanes.” Now find out whether you could pass your driver’s test all over again with these questions.
