We have all witnessed someone else’s extremely annoying or inconsiderate driving habits whilst out on the open roads – and even though we don’t like to admit it, we have probably committed a lot of them ourselves.

Other people’s bad driving has the potential to spark severe cases of road rage in even the calmest of people, it’s hard not to get frustrated when another driver appears to rewrite the rules of the highway code. But it’s not only infuriating, it can also potentially cause very serious accidents.

But what is it exactly that grinds your gears about other road users? Here at Creditplus we have had a long hard think about what winds us up the most, and we have come up with a list; can you relate to any of these?

Failing to Indicate

The indicators on your car make up a crucial part of driving, and the correct use of them is vital, especially when taking your driving test. But often, it appears that once people are let loose on the roads, they lose the ability to use those little sticks on the side of their steering wheel.

By using your indicators correctly, it allows you to signal to other drivers about your next manoeuvre, and for all parties to safely prepare for it. Failing to indicate, or signalling the wrong indication leaves other drivers unable to predict your next move. For example, whilst driving on the motorway, before changing lanes it’s extremely important to indicate before doing so, so that other drivers are aware that you plan on moving lanes and adjust their speed accordingly. When you are whizzing down the motorway and the car adjacent to you decides to swerve into your lane with no indication its extremely dangerous and aggravating. Using your indicators is such a simple task, and one of the basics that you learn whilst driving, so really, there is no excuse!

Sounding the horn

It’s extremely common to find yourself stuck in standstill traffic during your commute, and quite often there appears to be no apparent cause for the painfully slow moving queue. However, as frustrating as it is, you are generally in the same boat as all the other drivers amongst you. This is perhaps why it becomes so aggravating when a road user behind you decides to repeatedly sound their horn, because if they beep furiously the traffic will obviously disappear right? No, it just gets annoying. In fact, the car horn should only be used to warn other road users of potential dangers, and it should not be used whilst the car is stationary (apart from to alert others of any danger). So, those hot headed, horn happy hooligans are actually breaking the law, and not just boiling your blood!

Tailgating

It’s important to stick to designated speed limits and maintain a sensible stopping distance between other cars whilst driving. Unfortunately, many road users forget this and become increasingly impatient when you decide to abide by the law. Tailgating is where a vehicle drives closely behind the vehicle in front of them, not leaving enough space in-between them if they were to stop suddenly. Furthermore, when someone decides to impatiently drive up close to your rear, it can easily distract and aggravate you. This will take your attention away from the road ahead of you, whilst you potentially sit there shouting into your rear-view mirror “BACK OFF I’M STICKING TO THE SPEED LIMIT!” or something along those lines.

Cruising in the middle lane

Hogging the middle lane of the motorway is quite possibly one of commuter’s biggest bugbears, and it’s also illegal. The middle lane should be used for over taking slower traffic in the left lane, and once the left lane is clear, the driver should move back into it. This maintains the flow of traffic, with faster drivers being able to smoothly overtake. However, when road users decide to cruise in the middle lane, drivers are unable to overtake, and may be tempted to undertake from the left, which can be dangerous and is frowned upon in the UK. So, avoid middle lane cruising otherwise you could face being slapped with penalty points and a hefty fine.

Hesitant drivers

Now, there is nothing wrong with being a cautious driver, as the saying goes it is always better to be safe than sorry. However, there is a limit. No body enjoys being sat behind a car at a roundabout as they miss countless windows of opportunities to move off. “JUST GO ITS CLEAR” you shout as you wrestle with the clutch, chomping at the bit.

Similarly, it can often be infuriating driving behind a vehicle that drives below the speed limit. Obviously speed limits are set in place to protect all road users and they must be followed, and at times you may have to adjust your speed to the situation accordingly, even if this is below the limit. However, on a straight road with a speed limit of 40mph, you can’t help but seethe as the driver in front of you potters along at 25mph.

Failing to give way

This rather selfish trait most often occurs during rush hour, particularly in built up or busy areas. You slow down on the main road to turn right down a side road, however there is queues of traffic blocking the turning. The sensible thing to do for the oncoming traffic would be to leave a gap and let you turn into the side road.  But instead, many drivers choose to avoid eye contact and simply crawl behind the vehicle in front of them, blocking your entrance to the side road. Not only is this frustrating for you, but also for those drivers now stuck behind you who can’t get around you to move forward. And that is when they start sounding their horns…

Apply now

Although Creditplus can’t change the bad driving habits of the UK, we can provide you with your perfect car and the best finance deal for you.

Our expert Customer Advisors will be able to assist you on your car finance journey to save you time, effort and money. Apply now by calling 0800 1777 290, or complete our simple, 2-minute online application form and our team will be on hand to help find the perfect car for you through our extensive car search.