Do you think you're an experienced driver and know the rules of the road like the back of your hand? You probably do! But what if we told you that even the most experienced of us sometimes unknowingly make mistakes that can lead to fines, dangerous situations, or even accidents? It's not that you don't know the rules, but rather old habits or small omissions that are easy to overlook in everyday traffic.
Get ready to be surprised! Today we'll look at eight such "unexpected mistakes" that you might be making without even realizing it. Try to think about your own driving style - maybe you will discover something that you could improve and take your driving to a higher level of safety and consideration.
1. Fog lights in fog? But only in real fog!
What you are doing wrong: Many drivers tend to turn on their rear fog lights (and sometimes the front ones) at the slightest rain, snowfall, or even just at dusk. As soon as visibility gets slightly worse, they automatically activate them.
Why this is a problem: The law clearly states that fog lights may only be used in fog, snowfall, or heavy rain, when visibility is significantly reduced. As soon as the weather improves, you should immediately turn them off. Bright rear fog lights are very annoying, even blinding, for drivers behind you, and reduce their ability to perceive brake lights. Unnecessary use of fog lights is also subject to a fine.
Specific scenario: You are driving on the motorway, the rain stops, but the road is still damp and spray is rising. It may seem to you that there is "worse visibility", but in reality the visibility is still sufficient and the switched on fog lights unnecessarily bother others.
How to avoid the mistake:
- Only switch on the fog lights when visibility is actually below 50 metres (which is approximately the distance between two motorway bollards)
- Whenever visibility improves, switch them off immediately
2. Too close! Not keeping a safe distance
What you're doing wrong: You're driving too close to the vehicle in front of you, especially on the highway or in traffic jams.
Why it's a problem: Not keeping a safe distance is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. If the vehicle in front of you brakes suddenly, you don't have enough time to react and brake. This is especially true in wet, snowy or icy conditions, when the braking distance is significantly longer. In addition to the risk of an accident, this offense can result in a fine and points on your points system.
Specific scenario: You're driving on the highway at 130 km/h and you're only a few meters behind a truck. If the truck suddenly brakes (for example, because of an animal on the road), you have virtually no chance of preventing a collision.
How to avoid mistakes:
- Use the two-second rule (or three seconds in poor conditions)
- As soon as the vehicle in front of you passes a fixed point (e.g. a sign, a bridge, a tree), start counting: "One thousand one, one thousand two..."
- Only when you finish counting and pass the same point is your distance safe
3. King of the Left Lane: Driving Left on a Highway for No Reason
What You're Doing Wrong: On a multi-lane highway or a first-class road, you stay in the left lane, even if you have the option to move to the right lane, and you don't overtake anyone.
Why It's a Problem: The Highway Code clearly states that you drive on the right on multi-lane roads. The left lane is primarily intended for overtaking. If you block it for no reason, you force faster drivers to dangerously pass from the right or to brake unnecessarily. This leads to frustration, risky situations, and increases the likelihood of collisions. The police are increasingly focusing on this offense.
Specific scenario: You are driving on a three-lane highway, there is no one in the middle lane, and you are staying in the left lane, even though you were not passing anyone a moment ago. A line of vehicles is building up behind you, trying to pass you.
How to avoid mistakes:
- Always move into the right lane as soon as possible after you have finished passing
- Only leave the right lane if it is necessary to overtake or if it is occupied
4. Turn signals? No time to waste…
Whatyou are doing it wrong: You do not use your turn signals at all, you use them too late, or on the contrary too early, which confuses other drivers. This is especially true when turning at intersections, changing lanes, or exiting a roundabout.
Why it's a problem: Turn signals are a key communication tool between drivers. If you do not indicate your intention, other drivers cannot predict your actions, which leads to dangerous situations and misunderstandings. Failure to signal a change of direction is also subject to a fine.
Specific scenario: You are turning left at an intersection, but you only turn on your turn signal when you are already turning. This means that the vehicle in the opposite direction has no chance to react to your intention in time. Or at a roundabout, you turn on your right turn signal as you enter, even if you only drive to the third exit, confusing drivers who want to enter.
How to avoid the mistake:
- Always signal your intention to change direction or lane in good time
- Turn on your turn signal well in advance so that others can prepare
- Only signal your exit from the roundabout when you pass the previous exit
5. Blocking Crosswalks and Intersections
What you're doing wrong: You stop your vehicle by blocking a crosswalk or by entering an intersection when it's clear you won't be passing, blocking traffic.
Why it's a problem: Blocking a crosswalk is dangerous for pedestrians who have to avoid your vehicle, and it's also a violation. Blocking an intersection leads to traffic jams and frustration for other drivers who can't get through. It's a gross violation of the rules and courtesy.
Specific scenario: You're waiting in line at an intersection and the traffic light turns green. But you see that there's still traffic jams beyond the intersection. You still enter the intersection, and when the light turns red, you remain standing in the middle, blocking perpendicular traffic.
How to avoid mistakes:
- Before entering an intersection or pedestrian crossing, always check the situation behind it
- If you see that you cannot pass smoothly, stop before the crossing or the intersection border, even if you have a green light
6. Phone in hand? Not even as a navigation system!
What you're doing wrong: You're holding your mobile phone in your hand while driving, even if you're just using it to navigate, change music or check the time.
Why it's a problem: By law, it's illegal to hold or otherwise manipulate a phone or other communication device while driving. Even if you're not using your phone to make calls, it distracts you from driving and reduces your ability to react quickly to traffic situations. The risk of an accident increases manifold. In addition, this offense has recently been subject to more severe penalties.
Specific scenario: You're driving around town holding your phone in your hand because you have navigation running on it. You need to look at the next turn, but you don't notice that the car in front of you has started to brake.
How to avoid mistakes:
- Securely mount your phone or navigation device in a holder on the dashboard or windshield
- Only set up navigation, select music, or check messages when the vehicle is stationary
- For example, in a parking lot or at a red light, where there is no danger of immediate departure
7. Checking the car before driving: Not just a technical inspection
What you're doing wrong: You don't check basic things on the vehicle before every drive, such as the condition of the tires, the functionality of the lights, or the level of operating fluids. You rely on "the car to drive somehow".
Why it's a problem: These basic checks are crucial for your safety and the safety of other road users. Worn tires, a malfunctioning light or a lack of washer fluid can have fatal consequences in a crisis situation. In addition, you risk a fine and points for driving a vehicle in an unsatisfactory technical condition.
Specific scenario: You are going on a long trip at night. You haven't checked your lights at all and you don't know that one of your rear brake lights is not working. In a crisis situation, the car behind you won't see you braking in time.
How to avoid mistakes:
Before every trip, especially on longer routes, check the following:
- Tires: Sufficient pressure and tread depth
- Lights: All lights are functional (low beam, high beam, brake, turn signals)
- Operating fluids: Sufficient washer fluid
- Mirrors: Correct adjustment for maximum visibility
These few minutes can save you a lot of trouble.
8. New rules? The roads are changing too!
What you're doing wrong: You don't pay attention to changes in road legislation and follow outdated rules or habits. This includes, for example, new rules for shifting gears on motorways, changes to the right-of-way at roundabouts, or changes to the points system.
Why this is a problem: The law is constantly evolving, and ignorance is no excuse. If you don't know the current rules, you could be committing an offence without realising it, and could be subject to fines, points or even the loss of your driving licence. In addition, you can endanger yourself and others.
Specific scenario: At an intersection where you previously drove intuitively, the right of way has changed due to new markings, but you do not notice it and enter the intersection with the feeling that you have the right of way, causing a collision.
How to avoid mistakes:
- Regularly inform yourself about changes in road traffic
- Follow the news, professional websites (such as kvalty.cz!), or study the current wording of the law
- Keep in mind that the rules change and it is necessary to adapt to them
Conclusion: We learn to drive our whole lives
As you can see, safe and considerate driving is not just about know the speed limits and park in the right place. It is a constant process of learning, self-reflection and adaptation. Even small, unconscious mistakes can have big consequences.
Remember that constant education and reflection on your own behavior behind the wheel are key to road safety. We hope this article helped you discover some mistakes that you may not even know you are making.
Have you experienced any of these mistakes, or do you know of others that drivers should know about? Share with us in the comments! Drive safely and thoughtfully!
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