Common Driving Mistakes--Part II

With all of the careless accidents that occur on the road every day, many people could use a refresher course on basic driving principles. While you may feel like a skilled driver, there are a number of tiny missteps and overlooked factors that can spell disaster in a moment's notice. Here are some more car safety tips on common driving mistakes - part II.

Slow driving in the left lane
The left lane is known as the passing lane for a reason - it allows faster-moving traffic to bypass slower cars in the traveling lane. However, some drivers feel that driving the speed limit in the left lane is perfectly acceptable. AskMen.com argues that while this may be true, hogging the left lane can often cause other, less reasonable drivers to act aggressively, which makes the road less safe for everyone.

Roof storage
Car traveling with an overhead storage container may be a common sight on the road, but that doesn't make it a good idea, according to TheDailyBeast.com. Storing luggage or other items on a car's roof shifts your center of gravity and reduces stability and control. Whenever possible, store items within your vehicle. If you absolutely need extra space, make sure heavy items are placed at the bottom of the pile near the center.

Excessive braking
While it may seem counterintuitive, using the brakes too often can have negative consequences on the road. Riding the brakes whenever you drive will make them less effective over time - costing you money and jeopardizing your overall safety, according to AskMen.com. This will also cause your brake lights to remain constantly on, which can create confusion for other drivers who may not realize when you legitimately need to stop.

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