RANKING THE TOP ROAD BLUNDERS
From driving with the lights off to going the wrong way, these goofs are bad enough to leave any driver red-faced
We’ve all seen them, those silly buggers who make errors while driving — mistakes that could and should have been avoided, but somehow ended up on our historical rap sheet of the road or, worse, YouTube. And they are all of us, too, because no one is perfect behind the wheel.
While all blunders have consequences, these 12 are common:
12. DRIVING WITH LIGHTS OFF OR FAILING TO DIM HIGH BEAMS
There really should be more fines handed out, or manufacturers should come up with a consistent technological solution for driving only with your daytime running lights, but this is a common screw-up seen on a nightly basis. How hard is it to remember to turn on your lights, or leave them on all the time? Most headlamps shut off automatically anyway. Same goes for dimming lights. It’s time that automatic-on and auto-dimming became standard kit for all models. You’ve made a smooth pass or rounded the corner, but the blinker still blinks. That flashing green arrow is signalling to the rest of the world you’re being a moron, as well as confusing everyone about your intentions.
10. DRIVE OVER A PARKING BLOCK
Pulling up close to a parking block in a plaza or mall is never wise, as the blocks can clip many a low-hanging spoiler. Worse is forgetting there’s a block. Driving forward and having the two front wheels jump the block can not only damage your car when it bounces over, but in some cases can leave you high centred or stuck.
9. STALLING THE CAR, GRINDING A GEAR
Revving the engine of a standard transmission car might impress your best friends, but stalling it on takeoff by letting out the clutch too quickly is instant red face. Much like stalling, trying to shift too quickly and then mashing the gears together can be mortifying not only for you, but for the gearbox when gear teeth get shaved off and reduce its overall lifespan.
8. LEAVE GAS CAP DANGLING OR FORGET TO REMOVE HOSE
In the rush to pay for gas, many a driver will forget to secure the gas cap. Newer cars use tethered caps and some, such as Ford, have saved you from being laughed at by designing capless fillers. Still, there are people who drive away with the filler hose still in the car’s nozzle.
7. UNABLE TO PARALLEL PARK
When cars start honking at you or you begin to cause a traffic jam because you can’t quite angle the Camry into that parallel spot, it’s time to practise the art of parallel parking in some far away, empty lot until you’ve mastered it.
6. LOSING YOUR LOAD
I once had a relative who drove from Toronto to Barrie, Ont., towing a dresser in a trailer behind his car. But when he arrived, the dresser was nowhere to be seen, having flown away hours before. It’s the same with mattresses. An unsafe load is, of course, dangerous, but also potentially very expensive.
5. SLIDE INTO THE DITCH
Icy roads can be blamed for hitting the ditch, but not paying attention and drifting off into the ditch and then crashing or collecting grass or getting stuck in clear weather is awkward, especially if you have to explain it to parents.
4. WRONG WAY ON A ONE-WAY
Driving the wrong way on a oneway street is relatively common, but when all those parked cars are facing you and the road signs are facing the other way, these clues that you’re going the WRONG WAY should have been enough to avoid such a disconcerting situation.
3. REAR-ENDING SOMEONE
Usually caused by distracted driving or speeding, rear-ending another vehicle is no joke. Most times, this kind of accident can be avoided with eyes on the road.
2. CAR IMPOUNDED FOR EXCESSIVE SPEEDING
In Ontario, speeding at more than 50 km/h over the limit can result in a $10,000 fine and immediate roadside confiscation. In other provinces, excessive speeding can also result in a seizure of the automobile. While the law might be ridiculous, try explaining this one to your boss, spouse, insurance company, friends and relatives without a tail between the legs.
1. IMPAIRED DRIVING
Nothing says you’re a shameless loser unworthy of society more than an impaired driving charge.