Watch out for other people mistakes!

You might already know a few of the basic rules of defensive driving. “After a rolling ball comes a running kid” is one of our favorites. But even if you’re not planning to take a defensive driving course, being a good driver is about watching out for others’ driving as well as your own. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most important mistakes other drivers might make that you should watch out for.

a. Irregular driving patterns.

The most important things to watch for are suspicious driving patterns – drivers who weave in and out of lanes, don’t drive in a straight line, or keep switching lanes without using their turn indicators might be drowsy, under the influence, or distracted in some other way. If you see a car exhibiting a little of this behavior, it’s best to find a way to go around it or slow down so that you are not in its vicinity.

b. Following too closely.

Following too closely, also called “tailgating” is the sign of an aggressive driver who might not make the safest decisions on the road. Cars need space to stop suddenly, and a driver who doesn’t give him or herself enough space endangers himself and you. If a car is following you too closely, move into another lane and let him or her pass you. If a car is following another car too closely, try to put some space between yourself and those vehicles. The tailgater might try to switch lanes very quickly. Worse, the cars might crash, and if you’re too close, one of them may also hit you.

c. Geographical mistakes.

Even in a familiar area, you might take a wrong turn or exit. But people who know where they are going usually just swear under their breath and continue to take the wrong turn – they know how to get to their destinations another way. On the other hand, people who stop in the middle of an exit lane or try to avoid taking a turn after they’ve already entered a lane are usually new drivers or visitors who are unfamiliar with the area. These people might be good drivers ordinarily, but being unsure of where to go can make people forget to use their turn indicators and drive erratically.

If you see someone who seems lost, give the car plenty of space and don’t honk – that will only worsen the situation.