Every day, millions of Americans hit the road assuming they’re “good drivers.” But according to traffic safety experts, even experienced drivers often develop bad habits that increase the risk of serious crashes. These aren’t reckless, high-speed chases—they’re the subtle, everyday behaviors that quietly erode safety and put everyone at risk.

If you’re guilty of any of these seven habits, it’s time to reconsider how safe you really are behind the wheel.

1. Rolling Through Stop Signs

Also known as a “California stop,” this behavior may seem harmless at a quiet intersection—but it’s a major factor in T-bone and pedestrian collisions. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), failure to obey traffic signals and signs accounts for thousands of crashes each year.

Rolling stops also violate state traffic laws, which means you’re not only endangering others—you’re opening yourself up to legal and financial consequences.

2. Following Too Closely (Tailgating)

Impatience on the road leads many drivers to tailgate—especially during rush hour. But what most don’t realize is that tailgating drastically reduces your ability to brake in time.

Per the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), rear-end crashes are among the most common types of motor vehicle collisions, often caused by following too closely.

Maintain a minimum of three seconds’ following distance, and more in bad weather.

3. Multitasking While Driving (Yes, Even Hands-Free)

Many drivers think hands-free phone use is safe. But research from the National Safety Council (NSC) shows that cognitive distraction is just as dangerous as physical distraction, even when using voice commands.

Adjusting the GPS, eating, or even talking with passengers can reduce situational awareness and reaction time.

4. Speeding “Just a Little” Over the Limit

“Keeping up with traffic” is not a legal defense. Speeding—whether it’s 5 mph over or 20—remains one of the leading contributors to fatal crashes. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that even small increases in speed significantly raise crash severity (IIHS).

In residential areas or school zones, this habit can be especially dangerous.

5. Not Using Turn Signals

Failing to use a turn signal is more than just rude—it’s a contributing factor in lane-change and intersection accidents. According to a study by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), neglecting to signal properly may cause more crashes than distracted driving.

It’s a simple habit with huge safety implications.

6. Driving on “Autopilot”

You know the feeling: You arrive at your destination and realize you barely remember the drive. This mental disengagement—especially on familiar routes—is called “highway hypnosis.”

According to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, driving while mentally distracted can lead to slower reaction times and poor decision-making, even when physically alert (AAA Foundation).

7. Aggressive Merging or Lane Weaving

Trying to shave off a few minutes by darting between lanes may seem clever, but it increases crash risk for everyone on the road. Aggressive driving is a common precursor to road rage incidents and collisions—especially in urban areas.

State troopers and safety agencies warn that rapid lane changes often violate traffic laws and make it difficult for other drivers to anticipate your movements.

How These Habits Can Lead to Legal Trouble

Beyond the obvious safety risks, these behaviors can leave you liable in the event of a crash. Insurance companies and legal investigators often look closely at driver behavior patterns when determining fault.

If you’ve been injured in an accident where another driver was tailgating, speeding, or driving distracted, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Compensation could cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Contact our car accident lawyers in Albany, GA to get personalized guidance and protect your rights after a serious collision.

Small Habits, Big Consequences

Bad driving isn’t always about recklessness—it’s often about complacency. But even small choices behind the wheel can snowball into life-altering events. By identifying and correcting these habits, you protect not just yourself, but everyone on the road.

And if you’ve been harmed by another driver’s negligence, don’t navigate the aftermath alone. Help is available—and justice may be just a phone call away.