No, it’s not the latest Hollywood movie about guys and their need for speed. For those of you who know me well, sarcasm is one of my most endearing traits! So as a follow up to Tim Leman’s New Year Safety blog, I thought it would be fun to share my top driving annoyances. While no one reading this is guilty of any of these driving violations, I’m sure we all can think of someone who is. Not surprising, many of these habits cause the majority of claims each year.
- That space between my vehicle and the one in front of me was not for you to cram into. Did you really need to cut me off in order to arrive at your destination 10 seconds sooner?
- While it’s admirable that you utilized your turn signal, initiating it after you had already stopped and negotiated 75% of the turn is not quite the timing other motorists were looking for.
- I promise! That vehicle was behind you when you started backing up…. even though it wasn’t supposed to be.
- Everyone understands that roundabouts are to be driven in a counter-clockwise pattern, right?
- And while we’re on roundabouts – that extra lane on the right is not your personal autobahn to pass all the other cars that are moving too slowly for your taste.
- For my followers in no-fault states, you do understand that “no-fault” doesn’t mean you can drive like Evil Knievel with damages you cause not being your fault, right?
- Not seeing the motorcyclist you just ran off the road is not a defense to the claim. Be aware, motorcycles are everywhere.
- And motorcyclists, just because you’re on two wheels does not give you the right to weave in and out of traffic and use the shoulder to get where you’re going faster. Be aware, cars, trucks and semis are everywhere – and they’re bigger than you.
- That horn on the steering wheel is not because the driver in the car in front of you had the audacity to sit at the light for ½ a second after the light turned green.
- It’s also not cool to hold up a line of traffic after the light turns green because you’re checking email, texting, putting on makeup, or shaving.
- Yes, the garage door should be in the “up” position before attempting to back out of the garage.
- Oh, and be sure you remove any items on the roof rack before navigating into the garage.
- I love animals as much as the next person, but swerving to miss the deer, chipmunk, or squirrel isn’t worth the thousands of dollars of damage or personal injury that occur when you lose control and hit a tree.
- The left lane is for passing. If you’re not able to get “ole Bessy” to the speed limit, move over so other cars can use it as it was designed.
- Saving the best for last! “NO Thank you” to those motorists who think they are being helpful by defying the rules of the road to be ‘helpful’ to other motorists. Stopping your lane of traffic (which doesn’t stop them all) and waving others through when you have the right of way is a recipe for disaster! Some things are worth the wait.
Being snarky about these pet peeves we’ve all endured can be fun, but there are lessons to be learned. According to the CDC, “In a one-year period, the cost of medical care and productivity losses associated with injuries from motor vehicle crashes exceeded $99 billion – with the cost of direct medical care accounting for $17 billion…The total annual cost amounts to nearly $500 for each licensed driver in the United States…”
Next time you get behind the wheel, think about what “other drivers” have done and make sure you don’t become one of them.
