To err is human, as the saying goes, and everyone is bound to make a mistake while driving. In fact, well over 90% of car wrecks are attributable to human error. Yet most motorists continue making the same mistakes again and again.
Besides risking your life as well as other road users, most driving mistakes can also land you in trouble with the law. Whether out of habit or unconsciously, here are three driving mistakes that can turn out to be costly.
Speeding through the yellow light
Pretty much every licensed motorist knows they should slow down when lights go from green to yellow. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for some drivers to hit the gas when this happens. Speeding through the yellow light to avoid waiting at a red may seem like a benign mistake. However, it is important to understand that it can earn you a ticket.
Crossing lanes when making a turn
It is not unusual for motorists to cross multiple lanes while making turns. However, the right — and safe — practice would be turning while in your own lane rather than using your turn signal to indicate that you intend to change lanes as you turn. Swinging your car while taking a turn, and changing lanes at the same time, can result in collisions with cars that are keeping their lanes.
Making an abrupt stop without warning
Slamming on the brakes and coming to an abrupt stop is one of the major causes of rear-end collisions. It helps to be conscious of the driver behind you. Where possible, be sure to indicate that you are about to stop so the driver behind you can have adequate time to react and adjust.
Traffic mistakes happen all the time. However, most of these mistakes are avoidable. Find out how you can defend yourself if you are cited for a traffic offense that was unavoidable.