Actions to Avoid While Driving

It is easy to notice bad driving in others and overlook our own habits, but none of us are perfect drivers. Beyond obvious dangers like impaired or distracted driving, there are many everyday habits that quietly increase risk. Being honest about your own habits is the first step toward becoming a safer, more responsible driver.

1. Using the Old 10 and 2 Hand Position

Older advice told drivers to hold the wheel at “10 and 2,” but modern airbag design has changed that. The NHTSA now recommends 9 and 3 (or 8 and 4) so you can maintain control while reducing the risk of arm and hand injuries if the airbag deploys.

2. Driving with Two Feet (in an Automatic)

In most automatic cars, you should only use your right foot for both the gas and brake. Using two feet can lead to riding the brake, confusing drivers behind you and wearing out your brakes faster. Unless you have a medical reason or drive a manual, stick to one foot on the pedals.

3. Wearing the Shoulder Belt Behind Your Back

Moving the shoulder strap behind your back might feel more comfortable, but it defeats the purpose of the seat belt and can be illegal. If the belt rubs your neck, adjust the height or use a comfort pad— never bypass the shoulder strap.

4. Camping in the Left Lane

On multi‑lane roads, the left lane is for passing, not cruising. Staying in the left lane when you are not passing can block traffic, cause frustration, and increase risky lane changes around you. Pass safely, then move back to the right.

5. Driving Beside Large Trucks Longer Than Necessary

Large vehicles have big blind spots and need more room to maneuver and stop. Avoid spending long stretches right next to a truck; pass decisively when it is safe, or drop back so you are clearly in view.

6. Assuming Railroad Crossings Are Always Safe

Warning lights and gates can fail. When you approach tracks, slow down, look both ways, and listen for a train—even if the signals are off. Never assume a crossing is clear just because the lights are quiet.

7. Using Cruise Control in Bad Weather

Cruise control is not meant for heavy rain, snow, or ice. It can keep applying power when you need to slow down and may contribute to losing traction. In poor conditions, turn cruise off and keep full control of your speed.

8. Waving Other Drivers Through Traffic

It is polite to leave space for driveways and side streets, but avoid directing another driver to “go ahead.” You cannot see what they can’t see—such as a vehicle approaching in another lane—and many crashes happen after someone is waved through.

9. Escalating Road Rage

Responding to aggressive drivers with anger of your own only makes a bad situation more dangerous. Avoid eye contact, do not gesture or shout, and give yourself space. If you feel threatened, pull into a public, well‑lit area and, if needed, contact authorities.

10. Ignoring Medication Warnings

Some prescription and over‑the‑counter medicines can make you dizzy, drowsy, or slow to react. Always read labels and talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it is safe to drive while taking a new medication.

Some risky driving behaviors are so obviously unsafe that they should never happen—yet they still do. Take an honest look at your own habits and commit to avoiding these distractions and dangers.

1. Texting or Surfing the Web

Looking at your phone means you are not watching the road. Even a moment of texting or scrolling can cause you to miss a stopped car, a red light, or a child stepping into the street. Keep your phone put away until the car is safely parked.

2. Disciplining Children While Driving

Managing misbehavior in the back seat while you are moving shifts your attention away from traffic. If your children need discipline or calming down, pull over in a safe location instead of trying to handle it while driving.

3. Getting Dressed in the Car

Changing clothes while driving makes it almost impossible to steer properly or keep your eyes on the road. If you need to adjust your clothing, wait until you are parked.

4. Applying Makeup or Shaving

Using a mirror for grooming takes your eyes off the road and often at the exact moments when you need them most. Finish your personal grooming before you drive or after you arrive.

5. Eating Messy Foods

Eating while driving can be distracting—especially foods that drip, spill, or require two hands. When you are focused on your food, you are not fully focused on driving. Take a short break to eat instead.

6. Reaching or Leaning for Items

Leaning down to grab something from the floor, back seat, or glove box means you are not watching traffic. Secure loose items before you start your trip and wait to retrieve dropped items until you can safely stop.

7. Driving While Extremely Sleep‑Deprived

Tricks like loud music, open windows, or strong coffee cannot fully overcome severe fatigue. If you are struggling to keep your eyes open, you should not be driving. Rest first or switch drivers.

8. Driving After Drinking Alcohol

We all know “don’t drink and drive,” but crashes still happen every day because that advice is ignored. If you have been drinking, do not get behind the wheel—use a sober ride instead.

9. Steering with Your Knees

Steering with your knees so you can use both hands for something else is extremely dangerous. You lose fine control of the vehicle and cannot react quickly to hazards. Keep both hands available for the steering wheel.

10. Having an Emotional Phone Conversation

Even on a hands‑free device, a heated or emotional call can distract your mind from driving. If a call becomes intense or upsetting, end it or pull over until you are calm enough to focus fully on the road.

Take the next step toward safer driving with structured instruction. Explore our Teen Program Options and Adult Driving Options to find the right fit for your experience level and schedule.

Our experienced instructors help you replace risky habits with safe, confident driving skills.

Use these pages to deepen your understanding of safe driving and driver education: