Five dumb driving habits you've got to break

Driving is dangerous business. We usually don't think about that, because we've got the air and stereo cranked, the ride is smooth and effortless, and, of course, it's just as bad to be nervous as it is to be overconfident.

I've noticed a few habits that pop up over and over, practices that endanger not only drivers themselves, but others around them, including those on foot. If you're guilty of my current Top Five Dumb Moves, give some thought to everyone's safety on the road:

Following blindly. Always think for yourself, and never depend on the vehicle in front. That driver may have had enough time to make the turn, but if you just follow his bumper, you might get clipped by the oncoming car that made its way up to you in the meantime. If a tractor-trailer is blocking your view of a traffic light, wait until you can actually see the signal instead of just following him. He might be running a yellow light, and you'll be going through on the red.

Turning without checking. Watch how many drivers stop at a red light, look to the left for oncoming traffic, and then make the right-hand turn, without looking the other way for pedestrians who may be crossing in front of them on a green light. One of the most important rules in driving is to never move the car unless you're looking in the direction you're going.

Impaired vision. Glass is transparent for a reason. Don't hang stuff off the mirror, stick your GPS unit in the middle of the windshield, or put a blanket up as a sun block. In winter, clean snow off all of your windows and lights. Look down the road and anticipate problems. If you see a big truck on a wet day coming at you and kicking up a wall of water, turn on your wipers beforehand, so you're not momentarily blinded.

Ignoring emergency vehicles. I'm floored by how many drivers can spot a cop a mile away – just parked and minding his own business – and slam on their brakes lest they get nabbed for speeding, but are seemingly incapable of recognizing a fire truck or ambulance with lights flashing, siren wailing and horn blaring. Turn down the stereo, check your rear-view mirror regularly, and think how you'd feel if an ambulance coming for you was delayed by oblivious drivers.

Disregarding airbag safety. Newer cars have airbags in the steering wheel and the passenger side of the dash, and may also have them in the seat sides and above the windows. They deploy at some 300 km/h, and it can just take a minor fender-bender to set them off.

This means that if you "hook" the wheel – make a turn by putting your hand inside the top of the wheel, with your palm facing you — the airbag will snap your wrist, and maybe your elbow. If you let young passengers ride with their feet up on the dash, it could smash their thigh bones into the pelvis, and they may never walk properly again. If you have your dog on your lap, it'll kill your pet, and drive it into your abdomen, possibly causing internal injuries. No matter what you do in a car, think about what could happen if that rock-hard bag comes toward you, and make sure you're safe.

Jil McIntosh can be reached at jil@ca.inter.net.