What are the most hated driving habits?

While we all like to think of ourselves as good drivers, many of us have pet peeves when it comes to others’ driving habits. While some of these traits can be annoying, others can be dangerous or even lead to road rage.

But what are the actions that really grind our gears? We’ve looked across the internet and discussed the bad driving habits that can really wind up other road users.

What are the worst driving habits?

There are a number of behaviours that other motorists may find extremely annoying. Often, these go against the guidance of The Highway Code. How many of the below irritate you?

Middle-lane hogging

We’ve all been there, driving along a motorway when someone decides to just stick in the middle lane at a certain speed. This cannot only cause extra congestion but can be frustrating and dangerous.

Rule 264 of the Highway Code states: ‘You should always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. If you are overtaking a number of slow-moving vehicles, you should return to the left-hand lane as soon as you are safely past.’

Tailgating

Tailgating, or cars following too closely, is a factor in around 1 in 8 collisions on England’s motorways and A-roads. It’s an uncomfortable experience having someone drive so closely when you’re following the rules of the road and can feel overly aggressive.

Tailgating goes against Rule 126 of The Highway Code: Drive at a speed that will allow you to stop well within the distance you can see to be clear.’ You can find out how to deal with tailgating in our guide.

Drivers using their phone

It can be frustrating to see other drivers talking on their phone, especially when you are following the roads. If these drivers are caught with a device in their hands, they could be subject to a CU80 conviction - an offence that could land them with 6 points, a £200 fine and potentially even losing their licence (if they passed their test in the past two years).

Not indicating

How are you meant to know where someone is planning on going if they don’t indicate? While this can be stressful for other road users, the person driving the car that doesn’t indicate could face a fine of up to £5,000 and up to 9 points on their driving licence.

Swooping

Another dangerous driving act is when drivers ‘swoop’ across multiple lanes on a motorway to exit at a junction. This could lead to a driver in the left-hand line stopping abruptly to avoid the culprit, putting themselves in danger of being shunted. Not merging correctly may also figure highly in drivers’ lists of frustration.

Flashing lights and beeping horns

Another thing likely to wind you up is when you feel like you’ve been beeped at or had lights flashed at you unfairly. Although it can be tempting to retaliate, you should avoid doing this and try to keep calm. Sometimes they might be giving a warning to say they are there, although flashing headlights to warn other drivers of police speed checks is illegal and could lead to a fine of £200. Another act that might cause 

Splashing pedestrians

Splashing someone on purpose is illegal, with a potential penalty of three points on your licence and fine of up to £5,000. All drivers should take care when driving in adverse weather.

A car taking up two parking spaces, a parent and child bay or a disabled space

Some drivers will park in disabled or parent and child bays when they’re not entitled to, causing significant issues for those who do have to use this space. Parking can also be a squeeze at times, so seeing a car parked across two (or even three) lanes can be extremely infuriating when you’re looking for a space.

Playing loud music

According to The AA, drivers obnoxiously playing loud music is one of the top 10 most prevalent impolite driving habits. While there’s no specific maximum level of volume, playing loud music between 11pm and 7am could be against the Noise Act 1996.

Councils can issue warnings and potentially a fine of up to £5,000. Often the level of frustration aimed at this could be down to the time, or maybe the music just isn’t to your taste. 

How dangerous are bad driving habits?

As mentioned, some of the above driving habits are illegal and can be dangerous. If a driver is caught doing them or causes an accident, they could have a claim made against them and face penalty points and fines.

Drivers can be penalised for being distracted at the wheel. This isn’t just using a phone when they shouldn’t; it could be taking their eyes off the road to change a setting on the dashboard or eating behind the wheel.

Hesitant driving can also cause issues. Although you should expect the unexpected, if you’re behind a cautious driver, you should take extra care. You wouldn’t want to drive into the back of them if they don’t go when you are expecting them to.

Which bad driving habits can damage a car?

Bad driving habits cannot only cause confusion and potentially collisions with other drivers but also extensive damage to vehicles.

• Riding the clutch - when a driver keeps their foot partially on the clutch pedal, causing unnecessary wear and tear - can end up with the driver facing costly replacements, as can resting your hand unnecessarily on the gear stick while driving.
• Actual driving factors include harsh braking and acceleration. The former can wear down your brake pads and put unnecessary strain on suspension and tyres, while the latter can affect how much petrol you use on each journey.
• Driving on empty - Driving when your fuel light is on can find your petrol tank collecting debris, which in turn can clog up components such as a fuel pump and filter. You may also run out of petrol while on the road.
• Revving the engine when it’s cold - Try not to rev your engine until it’s warmed up. You need to give the oil time to warm up and circulate to avoid unwanted damage.

What do good driving habits look like?

• Drive with compassion and consideration for other road users.
• Avoid tailgating - Try to stay at least 2 seconds (or two car lengths) behind the vehicle in front. Increase this stopping distance when driving in adverse weather conditions.
• Mirror-Signal-Manoeuvre - Remember how you’d use this throughout your lessons and when you first started driving independently. Bring this back to help you see what’s happening around you, let others know what you’re about to do and then perform the action.
• Anticipate what’s coming up - Although you can never fully predict what will happen on the road, you can take in your surroundings and check your mirrors for anything potentially dangerous. Try to think about what could be happening 10 cars ahead of you, rather than just in front.

DGN Driving school also recommends the following good driving habits:

• Get comfortable in your car
• Check your surroundings
• Drive smoothly
• Stick to speed limits

Can bad driving affect insurance premiums?

Yes, bad driving habits can affect insurance rates. If a bad driver were to be caught speeding or found responsible for causing an accident, this would be reflected in not only penalty points and fines but also future premiums. This will be because the insurers see them as more risky drivers.

How well do you drive?

If you’ve started to consider your own driving habits, it’s worth taking extra care when driving someone else’s car.

Remember, with temporary car insurance, you get comprehensive cover that won’t affect their No Claims Discount, even if the worst was to happen, for as long as you need.

Which bad driving habits do you find most frustrating?

Sources

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/driving-habits-that-damage-your-car/

https://www.theaa.com/breakdown-cover/advice/uk-annoying-driving-habits

https://www.insurancerevolution.co.uk/blog/top-5-good-nd-bad-driving-habits/

https://www.admiral.com/magazine/guides/motor/bad-driving-habits-that-could-damage-your-car