Common Mistakes Women Make While Driving and the Reasons Behind Them

The main cause is not gender-related but linked to psychology, experience, and specific traffic situations.

Here are some common mistakes:

Improper Seat Position

Adjusting the seat, mirrors, and steering wheel are basic yet crucial tasks to ensure good visibility and control of the vehicle. However, many women, especially new drivers, tend to focus solely on the clutch and accelerator pedals, neglecting to check their seating posture.

An improperly adjusted seat or an uncomfortable posture can hinder the driver’s visibility, slow down reactions, and increase the risk of accidents. Hence, it is essential to develop the habit of checking the seat position before each journey, ensuring the distance to the steering wheel is comfortable, and the accelerator and brake pedals are within easy reach. If raising the seat improves visibility but makes it challenging to reach the pedals, adjust the steering wheel instead. For vehicles with manual height adjustment, use the handle beside the seat to find the optimal position.

Misjudging Distance and Speed

Some female drivers lack confidence when driving at high speeds or merging into traffic. They may cut in front of other vehicles too early or brake abruptly when the car in front is closer than expected. For instance, when turning left at an intersection, they might misjudge the gap in oncoming traffic.

The fear of speed may cause some drivers to stick to the left lane on highways, cruising at 60-70 km/h, which is intended for faster-moving vehicles. This creates local congestion and forces drivers behind to make sudden lane changes to overtake, increasing the risk of collisions. Moreover, significant speed variations between lanes make it challenging for other drivers to predict vehicle movements, especially during peak hours. Experts advise drivers to choose lanes that match their speed and skill level, yielding the left lane to faster vehicles.

Slow Reaction to Unexpected Situations

Overcautiousness often leads to prolonged decision-making, causing drivers to miss the opportune moment to change lanes, enter a roundabout, or overtake. A common scenario is having sufficient space to change lanes but hesitating, causing the driver behind to brake abruptly.

Underutilization or Misuse of Mirrors

Many drivers neglect to check blind spots or rely solely on one mirror, increasing the risk of collisions during lane changes or reversing. For instance, when backing into a parking spot, they may only use the rearview mirror without checking the side mirrors.

Distracted Driving

Phone calls, conversations, or the presence of young children in the car can distract drivers, reducing their ability to react to unexpected situations. A common occurrence is failing to notice a change in traffic lights while on a hands-free call.

Mistaking Accelerator for Brake

Stress or unfamiliarity with automatic transmissions can lead to pedal errors. Consequently, unintended acceleration or sudden braking may occur, posing safety hazards. In tight parking lots, it is not uncommon to mistakenly press the accelerator instead of the brake pedal.

Difficulty in Parking

Inexperience in judging the size of the vehicle and the available space challenges many drivers, especially novices, when finding and maneuvering into parking spots. Oversteering or understeering while parallel parking can result in the car being angled incorrectly or colliding with adjacent vehicles. In crowded lots, the pressure from waiting drivers can further intensify the stress and impact the accuracy of maneuvers. Multiple attempts at parking are not uncommon, causing traffic disruptions.

Inappropriate Driving Attire

Some women continue to wear body-hugging dresses and high heels while driving. These choices pose potential safety risks. High heels compromise balance, reducing the precision of pedal control. Experts recommend opting for comfortable and stretchy clothing. Flat shoes offer better control and safety when operating the accelerator and brake pedals. It is advisable to keep a pair of sneakers in the car to ensure preparedness for any situation.

In reality, not all women make these mistakes, and men can encounter similar situations. Focus, adherence to traffic rules, and proactive skill enhancement will reduce risks and promote safer driving experiences for everyone on the road.

TH (Tuoitrethudo)