8 dangerous habits when driving

1. Listen to music and sing along.

Being engrossed in listening to music and singing along can make drivers feel "euphoric" and forget about the steering wheel, losing focus on their surroundings and making them more likely to lose control in unexpected situations.

2. Put on your headphones.

Undeniably, wearing headphones while driving allows you to take important phone calls while still maintaining two-handed control of the steering wheel. However, studies show that drivers are more prone to drowsiness, focusing on the sounds from the headphones and ignoring or forgetting surrounding warnings such as other car horns, calls from passengers, or people outside.

3. Wear high heels.

Wearing high heels can disrupt your coordination between the brake and accelerator pedals, and even the clutch pedal. High heels and flip-flops can easily cause your foot to slip off the brake pedal in emergency situations. Therefore, a pair of sandals or flat shoes would be the most suitable accessory for women when driving.

4. Place your feet on the dashboard.

In an emergency, if the car is involved in an accident, the person sitting in this position will be most severely injured because the airbag deploys, and it's uncertain what might happen then.

5. Sleep next to the driver.

Science has shown that seeing someone yawn tends to make you yawn too. Juergen Zulley, a sleep researcher and psychology professor at the University of Regensburg, says that if a passenger next to you falls asleep, it will make the driver sleepy as well.

6. Texting or phone calls

Texting or answering phone calls distracts us from driving, reducing our attention span and increasing the risk of accidents. Studies show that excessive phone use can impair a driver's ability to see ahead and slow down their reaction time.

7. Transporting pets

Bringing pets along can distract drivers. They can bother you, and you might even pet them. To ensure the safety of both you and your pet, leave them at home.

8. Driving on your knees or elbows.

Driving with your knees is a very poor driving habit that will impair your ability to react to dangerous situations and avoid obstacles. Therefore, always drive with both hands, and never carelessly use your elbows or knees to control the steering wheel, even temporarily.