Common driving mistakes that cause fatal accidents

1. Do not keep your foot on the brake when needed.

Many accidents happen not only because drivers don’t brake early enough, but also because they don’t brake hard enough. If your car has an automatic emergency braking system, it’s best to never turn it off.

2. Ignore other vehicles' blind spots

Being constantly in another driver's blind spot on a multi-lane road can be dangerous. Try to back up or accelerate out of the blind spot as soon as possible. If it is unavoidable, such as if there is a car behind or in front of you, honk your horn to alert the other driver to your presence if they appear to be moving into your lane.

3. Do not turn on the turn signal when changing lanes or direction.

It seems to have become a habit when driving a vehicle in traffic, but in reality, many "new drivers" often make this mistake when driving a car every day. "New drivers" forgetting to turn on the signal lights or turning them on too suddenly when changing lanes or changing direction is not only dangerous for themselves but can easily cause accidents for other vehicles participating in traffic.

Currently, according to Decree 46/2016, car drivers will be fined from 300,000 - 400,000 VND for changing lanes in unauthorized places or without signaling.

4. Switch between reverse and forward gears when the vehicle has not come to a complete stop

This is a mistake that many “new drivers” often make when driving. Normally, switching between reverse and forward modes is often used when parking in areas with limited space.

Some “new drivers” often have the habit of applying the brakes but before the car has completely stopped, they shift the gear lever from D to R or vice versa to “shorten the time” and “operate more quickly”. However, according to a veteran auto mechanic, this habit, if it happens frequently, will damage the gearbox.

5. Mistaking the gas pedal for the brake pedal

Some new drivers, especially those who switch from manual to automatic cars, have mistakenly stepped on the gas pedal or the brake pedal many times. In fact, there have been many accidents when drivers mistakenly operate the gas pedal or the brake pedal. According to a car salesman in Ho Chi Minh City, there was a customer who bought a car for the first time and caused an accident when he tested the car because he mistakenly pressed the brake pedal instead of the gas pedal.

This is a serious mistake for new drivers. Therefore, to avoid this error, drivers should get used to operating the brake and accelerator pedals before starting the car. When driving, the heel must always be placed close to the floor of the car, creating a comfortable foot position so that the accelerator and brake can be switched in a V shape. When not accelerating, the foot should be placed loosely on the brake pedal.

6. Holding the steering wheel incorrectly

Many drivers have the habit of holding the steering wheel too low while driving, but do not know that holding the steering wheel like that is the wrong way.

Manufacturers recommend that the steering wheel should not be aimed at the head but should be aimed at the sternum at a distance of 25 - 30 cm. Ideally, place both hands on the steering wheel, the left hand at the 9 o'clock position on the clock, the right hand at 3 o'clock, and maintain an upright sitting position.