Save on Pinterest

11 Driving Mistakes that Drive Other Drivers Nuts

The driver in front of you slows down for seemingly no reason. The driver behind you is a bit too close for comfort. No turn signals, no headlights and no parking skills—here are 11 driving mistakes that drive other drivers nuts.

1 / 11
Drivereldar nurkovic/Shutterstock

No Parallel Parking Skills

Users on reddit noted that drivers who aren’t skilled at parallel parking can get on their nerves. Many noted watching unskilled parallel parkers even bump and scrape other cars while trying to get into a parking spot. Yikes!

2 / 11
honk admin_design/Shutterstock

Cutting Someone Off

“Whether or not your intent is malicious, cutting off another motorist is bad manners at best and downright dangerous at worst,” says U.S. News and World Report. Be sure to check your mirrors and your blind spots before moving lanes or turning so you don’t force others to change paths.

These are the 13 things you need in your winter car survival kit.

3 / 11
textingJRP Studio/Shutterstock

Using the Phone

Collisions happen when you’re not paying attention. Many reddit users said talking on the phone and texting while behind the wheel are two of their biggest pet peeves. And even if you don’t cause a collision, you can weave in and out of lanes and create confusion for other drivers. Put down that phone!

This is why you should stop charging your phone in your car.

4 / 11
trafficRalf Gosch/Shutterstock

Sitting at a Green Light

Other drivers want you to pay attention, even when you’re sitting at a light. U.S. News and World Report notes wasting time at a green light not only causes traffic backups, but irritates other drivers around you.

These 20 car hacks will make driving so much better.

5 / 11
rain Mr Twister/Shutterstock

Driving Too Fast for Conditions

While it’s best to follow the rules of the road, sometimes weather conditions can force you to slow down and go below the speed limit. Users on reddit noted that if you are driving too fast for the conditions—such as during a rain or snow storm—you’re putting all the other drivers at risk.

These are the 10 best practices for winter driving.

6 / 11
headlightAskolds Berovskis/Shutterstock

Not Using Your Turn Signal

Signaling your intention to turn is one the most basic acts of courtesy one can engage in while driving, notes Car Talk. “It’s not hard to hit the lever down to go left or up to go right,” said one reddit user. “Give me some indication of which way you’re going!”

Increase your driving comfort with these eight tips.

7 / 11
carMay_Chanikran/Shutterstock

Leaving On High Beams

Sometimes it’s just a mistake, but drivers note they want everyone to be more thoughtful when it comes to turning off their high beams when approaching other vehicles. Car Talk notes that if you blind an oncoming driver with your high beams, they might not be able to judge where your car is and could crash into you.

Ever wonder, what is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? Here’s your answer!

8 / 11
LaneJojoo64/Shutterstock

Staying in the Far Left Lane

Drivers on reddit note they can’t stand when slower drivers stay in the far left lane and hold up traffic. Bottom line: Use the left lane for passing and then move over to the right. If you aren’t passing, stay out of the left lane.

Here are the best ways to handle 11 scary driving situations.

9 / 11
snowGreenMiles/Shutterstock

Not Cleaning Snow Off Your Car

You see it every winter—drivers hit the road before thoroughly cleaning the snow off their car. That snow can cause collisions if it slides or blows off, making conditions difficult for the cars behind. In some states, according to Car Talk, not cleaning off your windshield before driving is against the law.

This is how to never scrape your windshield again.

10 / 11
citylogoboom/Shutterstock

Tailgating

Drivers want you to stop riding their tail. “I call them ‘road bullies,'” said one reddit user. “They are usually large SUVs that tailgate you on the highway when you’re already going 75 mph in the center right lane and there are lanes open on either side of you. This happens to me all the time and I’ve no idea what their motives are.”

Here are 13 ways you’re shortening the life of your car.

11 / 11
mirror altanakin/Shutterstock

Not Using Headlights

Just because you can see, that doesn’t mean other drivers can easily see you. “I can’t stand when drivers don’t turn on their lights when it is gloomy and/or rainy out,” said one reddit user. “It’s tough to see you when I want to turn and switch lanes.”

Stay warm in a car that doesn’t have heat with these 10 creative tips.

Rachel Brougham
Rachel Brougham lived through a major home renovation in 2019, knows the ups and downs of home improvement, and loves sharing tips with readers. A veteran journalist of both print and television, she’s won several awards for her writing and has covered everything from the environment and education to health care, politics and food. She’s written for several publications beyond newspapers including Bob Vila, Taste of Home and Minnesota Parent, and she currently writes a weekly syndicated newspaper column. Her memoir, Widowland, about the sudden loss of her husband, was published in 2022. She specializes in everything from home decor and design to lawn and garden, product reviews and pet care. When she’s not writing, you can usually find her tending to her garden (both vegetables and native plants), playing with her dog, watching sports with her family or getting some exercise. A native of Michigan, she currently lives in Minneapolis. An avid user of Instagram, you can follow her @RachBrougham.