5 Bad Driving Habits You Might Have — And How to Break Them

We all like to think we’re good drivers, but even the most experienced can slip into some bad habits when the road feels familiar and comfortable. The good news? Awareness is the first step to fixing these habits. We’ve put together a list of common driving habits you might be guilty of — plus practical tips to help you break them for good!

1. Using Your Phone While Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents every year, and using your phone behind the wheel is a major culprit. If the thought of a $1,000 fine, 4 demerit points, or worse — causing a crash — hasn’t stopped you yet, maybe it’s time to reconsider.

How to break the habit:

• Connect your phone via Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto — this lets you keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.
• If your car doesn’t have these features, put your phone on silent or Do Not Disturb mode before you start driving.
• Better yet, place your phone somewhere out of reach so you’re not tempted to check it mid-drive.

Remember: No message or notification is worth risking your life or someone else’s.

2. Tailgating: Too Close for Comfort

Tailgating — driving too close to the car in front — is not just annoying, it’s dangerous. There are two types of tailgaters: passive and aggressive.

• Passive tailgaters might not even realise they’re following too closely. They often drive on autopilot, distracted or tired.
• Aggressive tailgaters are usually rushing, stressed, or impatient.

How to fix it:

If you find yourself tailgating, try leaving earlier to reduce the rush. Practice patience and only overtake when it’s completely safe. If someone is tailgating you, stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. Maintain a steady speed and, if possible, safely move over to let them pass.

3. Speeding: A Risk Not Worth Taking

Speeding is a common habit, whether intentional or accidental, but it increases your risk of accidents and legal penalties.

How to break the speeding habit:

• Give yourself more time to reach your destination, so you don’t feel rushed.
• Use cruise control on highways to maintain a steady, legal speed without drifting over the limit.
• Keep an eye on speed signs, especially in changing zones like school areas or roadworks.

Sticking to the speed limit isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about keeping everyone on the road safer.

4. Not Using Your Indicators

If your car didn’t have indicators, we’d understand. But since they’re standard for a reason — to communicate your intentions to other drivers — skipping them is risky and frustrating for others.

Make signalling a habit by:

• Always signalling before you turn or change lanes, even if you think no one’s around.
• Remembering that indicators give other road users time to react, which helps prevent accidents.
• Practising mindfulness on the road — it can become second nature.

Good signalling makes you a predictable driver, and predictable drivers are safer drivers.

5. Forgetting to Wear Your Seatbelt

You’d think seatbelts are so ingrained in driving culture that forgetting to buckle up wouldn’t happen — but it does, more often than you’d expect. Seatbelt cameras in cars and enforcement measures highlight how serious this issue is.

Tips to remember your seatbelt:

• Make buckling up your first action after getting in the car, before starting the engine.
• Pay attention to your car’s seatbelt warning chimes or lights.
• Place a visible reminder on your dashboard or steering wheel if you’re prone to forgetting.

Wearing your seatbelt isn’t just the law — it saves lives every day.