How to Improve Your Bad Driving Habits

March 3, 2025

Do you think you’re a good driver? Probably you’re pretty good, but you may have a few bad habits behind the wheel. Remember that bad driving habits can increase your risk of an accident.

There’s always room to improve how you drive. It can prevent accidents and save lives.

What are common bad driving habits?

Distracted driving: It’s one of the most dangerous and common bad driving habits. Distracted driving includes using your phone, eating, drinking, or doing anything that takes your mind off the road.

Did you know? Taking your eyes off the road for just seconds can increase your chances of a car accident.

Other bad driving habits include:

Speeding
Unsafe lane changes
Not yielding
Following too closely
Driving too fast for weather conditions
Ignoring traffic signals
Drinking or taking drugs while driving
Not wearing a seatbelt
Not clearing your car of snow
Talking on your phone
Eating while driving

Tips to become a safer driver:

Don’t get distracted: Distracted driving is one of the biggest causes of accidents, so it's important to avoid anything that takes your attention away from the road. If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe place first.

Obey speed limits: Speeding is a risk factor for passenger vehicle fatalities. Slow down in bad weather and be aware of speed limits in residential areas and school zones.

Obey traffic signals: Running red lights and stop signs are a major cause of accidents. Wait your turn at intersections.

Leave enough space: Tailgating, or following too closely behind another vehicle, is dangerous. It can reduce your ability to react if the car in front of you suddenly stops.

Plan ahead: Give yourself enough time to get to your destination. This can help reduce the stress of driving and the temptation to speed to get to where you are going.

Be aware of weather conditions: Plan your driving for the weather conditions and adjust your speed for road conditions.

When you become aware of your bad driving habits, you can help keep yourself and others on the road safe.