8 Driving Habits That Make You Look Like a Jerk
When you are driving, you have an obligation to be courteous to the other people on the road. However, not everyone gets behind the wheel with this in mind. Many of us have actually picked up some annoying driving habits over the years. Whether you realize it or not, these eight driving habits are making you look like a total jerk.
1. Tailgating Like You’re Drafting in NASCAR
Tailgating is one of the quickest ways to irritate and stress out the driver in front of you. It doesn’t make traffic move faster—it just makes everyone more anxious. Maintaining a safe following distance isn’t just polite, it’s a matter of safety. Slamming your brakes because the car ahead suddenly stops can quickly turn into a rear-end collision. So back off, give people space, and stop pretending you’re in a race.
2. Not Using Your Turn Signal—Ever
Using your turn signal isn’t optional; it’s a basic courtesy and a legal requirement. Drivers who skip this simple step leave others guessing and create confusion on the road. It’s not just about avoiding tickets—it’s about letting others react safely and accordingly. Flicking that little lever is easy, so there’s no excuse for leaving people in the dark. Signaling your intentions shows respect for fellow drivers and helps prevent accidents.
3. Cutting People Off Without a Second Thought
We all need to merge sometimes, but doing it aggressively without checking mirrors or blind spots is rude and dangerous. Abruptly jumping into someone’s lane without warning can force them to brake hard or swerve. It’s not a power move—it just makes you look careless and inconsiderate. If you’re merging, do it smoothly and make sure there’s actually space. Give other drivers the same respect you want when you’re in their position.
4. Hogging the Left Lane Like You Own It
The left lane is for passing, not for cruising like it’s your personal highway. Drivers who sit in the left lane while moving slower than traffic behind them clog up the flow and invite frustration. You might think you’re going fast enough, but if cars are stacking up behind you, it’s time to move over. It’s not about being first—it’s about letting traffic move efficiently. Don’t be the reason a line of annoyed drivers forms behind you.
5. Speeding Through Residential Areas
Speeding is annoying everywhere, but it’s especially jerky in neighborhoods. Residential zones are full of kids, pets, and people backing out of driveways. Ignoring speed limits in these areas shows a lack of concern for safety. Going 40 in a 25 might save you a few minutes, but it puts lives at risk. If you wouldn’t want someone speeding past your own home, don’t do it to others.
6. Blasting Your Horn at the Slightest Delay
Honking should be a tool for alerting others, not for expressing impatience. Laying on your horn because someone didn’t move the instant the light turned green just makes you look aggressive. Everyone gets caught in a distracted moment—it’s human. A quick beep is fine, but excessive honking can escalate tensions fast. Try patience before noise—it’s a better look.
7. Parking Like You’re the Main Character
Taking up two spots, parking diagonally, or blocking others is the parking lot version of bad driving habits. It screams entitlement and lack of awareness for shared space. No one likes circling the lot only to find your car parked like it’s posing for a magazine. Be considerate and park within the lines like everyone else. If your vehicle doesn’t fit, find a bigger space—don’t make it someone else’s problem.
8. Using Brights Like It’s Noon
High beams are great on dark roads, but they’re not meant for every situation. Leaving your brights on while facing oncoming traffic or driving closely behind someone is just rude. It blinds other drivers and creates a safety hazard. If you’re not alone on the road, turn them off—it’s that simple. Being mindful of your lights shows you understand that others matter too.
Want Respect on the Road? Start With Courtesy
Each of these bad driving habits makes you seem like you don’t care about anyone but yourself. If you’re doing any of these things, you can change your ways. Remember, driving is a shared experience. Even the smallest actions can have an impact on the drivers around you (and how they perceive you).
What driving habits drive you crazy? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let’s compare notes!
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Drew Blankenship is a former Porsche technician who writes and develops content full-time. He lives in North Carolina, where he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. While Drew no longer gets his hands dirty modifying Porsches, he still loves motorsport and avidly watches Formula 1.