By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Shamed! The 8 Most Infuriating Driving Habits of 2017

Shamed! The 8 Most Infuriating Driving Habits of 2017

The road can be a chaotic battlefield. Tempers flare, horns blare, and frustrations simmer. A 2017 survey by the AA uncovered the driving habits that UK motorists found most infuriating. The results? A mix of irritating, dangerous, and downright maddening behaviors that might make you ask yourself: Am I guilty of any of these?

Let’s count down the top eight offenders, and see if your pet peeve made the list.

1. Tailgating (26%)

Imagine this: you’re driving at a safe speed when a car looms large in your rearview mirror, practically kissing your bumper. Tailgating isn’t just irritating—it’s downright dangerous. According to the AA, one in five drivers has experienced an accident or near miss because of this aggressive habit.

Why do people tailgate? Many drivers admit to doing it to pressure the car ahead to move faster or change lanes. However, this behavior often backfires, with some victims resorting to “brake checking,” slamming their brakes in retaliation. The result? Increased risks of collisions and costly damages.

Pro Tip: Maintain a safe following distance—around two seconds behind the car ahead—and avoid reacting aggressively to tailgaters.

2. Talking on a Mobile (25%)

Driving while using a mobile phone is a risky habit with deadly consequences. Studies show that you’re four times more likely to crash if you’re distracted by your phone.

The UK government cracked down on this behavior in 2017, doubling penalties to six points on your license and fines to £200. Yet, many drivers still can’t resist the lure of their screens, endangering themselves and others.

Solution: Use hands-free systems, or better yet, keep your phone out of reach while driving is a good Habits. No text or call is worth risking lives.

3. Middle Lane Hogging (23%)

If you’ve ever been stuck behind a slowpoke cruising in the middle lane of a motorway, you know the frustration. Middle lane hogging wastes precious road space and forces faster vehicles to weave dangerously between lanes.

Highway Code Reminder: Always drive in the left-hand lane when the road ahead is clear. The middle and right lanes are for overtaking only. Once you’re past slower traffic, move back to the left.

4. Swooping (10%)

Picture this: a car in the far-right lane suddenly veers across multiple lanes to make an exit. Heart-stopping, isn’t it? This last-minute dash, known as “swooping,” is not only infuriating but also perilous.

Avoid swooping by planning your exits well in advance. Pay attention to signs and move into the correct lane early, signaling your intentions to other drivers.

5. Overtaking on the Inside (7%)

Undertaking—overtaking on the inside lane—might seem like a quick fix for middle-lane hoggers, but it’s highly dangerous and often illegal.

Why? Drivers don’t expect cars passing on their left, making it more likely they’ll miss you in their blind spot. Exceptions exist in heavy traffic, but in most cases, sticking to proper overtaking rules is the safest bet.

6. Speeding or Driving Too Slowly (3%)

Speeding has long been a notorious offender, but did you know driving too slowly can be just as hazardous? Both extremes disrupt traffic flow and increase the likelihood of accidents.

Slow drivers, especially on motorways, can cause rear-end collisions or force others into risky overtaking maneuvers. On the flip side, excessive speed reduces reaction time, making crashes more severe.

Rule of Thumb: Match your speed to the road conditions and traffic flow, staying within legal limits.

7. Littering (3%)

Yes, litterbugs still roam the roads, tossing rubbish out of their windows without a second thought. This behavior isn’t just inconsiderate; it’s harmful to the environment and hazardous for other drivers.

Some vigilantes, like the infamous Russian “litter collector,” have taken matters into their own hands, but the best approach is to keep your trash in your car until you find a bin.

8. Poor Parking Etiquette

While not part of the AA’s top survey results, bad parking deserves an honorary mention. From double parking to blocking driveways, poor parking habits frustrate drivers everywhere.

Why These Habits Persist

Many of these bad driving behaviors stem from impatience, distractions, or ignorance of the rules. Awareness campaigns and stricter penalties can help, but the ultimate solution lies in individual responsibility.

Conclusion

Driving is a shared responsibility, and respecting the rules of the road ensures everyone’s safety. If you’ve recognized any of your habits on this list, it’s not too late to change. Let’s make the roads safer and less stressful—for everyone.

FAQs

1. What is the most dangerous bad driving habit?
Tailgating ranks as one of the most dangerous habits due to its high risk of causing accidents.

2. Can you get fined for middle lane hogging in the UK?
Yes, middle lane hogging can result in on-the-spot fines and penalty points.

3. Why is driving too slowly considered dangerous?
Driving too slowly disrupts traffic flow and increases the risk of rear-end collisions or risky overtaking maneuvers.

4. Is it illegal to overtake on the inside lane?
In most cases, yes. Undertaking is only permitted in certain situations, such as in heavy traffic where all lanes are moving at similar speeds.

5. How can I improve my driving habits?
Stay focused, follow the Highway Code, and practice patience on the road. Taking a defensive driving Habits course can also enhance your skills.

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