Common Traffic Errors

The most common traffic errors are thought to be ignoring stop signs and crossing the center line. But statistics show that in actual fact the number one driving error is failure to signal properly. This seems inconceivable now that most cars are equipped with fingertip turn signals. Yet lots of drivers do not switch on their turn signal when they should or do not turn them off at the proper time.

Today's traffic demands the use of turn signals to announce any intent to deviate from a straight-down-the-highway course, whether by turning, by passing (or overtaking) another car, or merely by changing lanes. And for any maneuver other than a sharp turn, it is necessary to turn the signal off manually.

The number two driving error is failure to dim one's lights upon meeting and when following another vehicle. Either failure can blind a driver. Even if you are on a divided highway, it is necessary to dim for oncoming vehicles.

Close following is number three. It is indeed a major cause of serious accidents, especially on expressways. Track drivers grind their teeth when they become aware of a passenger car hovering close to their rear end. They have seen enough "ran under" wrecks.

Number four is failure to pass a slow moving car, when a driver is forced to pull up behind a slow-moving car, which itself is following a vehicle going at the same speed. There isn't room for the third to overtake both cars though the car immediately ahead of him could easily pass the vehicle ahead of it. So the moral blame for any resulting accident rests with the second car in the line.

Excessive speed is number five. High speed is a widely advertised "killer on our highways." Traffic experts say it is involved in 37 percent of fatal accidents. But professional drivers who habitually move at 40 to 60 m.p.h. say that the question of speed is overemphasized.

Some more driving errors include ignoring yellow or solid "do not pass" lines, no taillights, taking drugs to stay awake, daydreaming at the wheel, stopping in a right-hand lane to make a left turn, lane straddling, and moving into the left lane to make a right turn.

But one of the most significant points made by the drivers was there ought to be more and better law enforcement.