California’s sprawling freeways and busy city streets are infamous for heavy traffic, fast-paced driving, and sometimes reckless behavior.
With so many vehicles on the road, it’s essential that drivers follow the rules and adopt safe driving habits to protect themselves and others.
Yet, certain bad and illegal driving habits are all too common in the Golden State, and they contribute to accidents, frustration, and unsafe road conditions.
If you’re a California driver—or even just visiting—it’s time to break these dangerous habits and make the roads safer for everyone. Here are some of the worst driving behaviors you should stop today.
1. Using a Cell Phone While Driving
Distracted driving remains one of the top causes of accidents in California, and using a cell phone while driving is a major contributor. California law prohibits texting or using handheld devices while driving, yet many drivers continue to engage in these distractions behind the wheel.
Not only is texting or checking social media illegal, but it takes your eyes off the road, dramatically increasing the risk of accidents. To stay safe and avoid hefty fines, use a hands-free device for calls or pull over to text or browse. Remember, no message or notification is worth your safety.
2. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs
Running red lights and stop signs is not only illegal, but it’s also extremely dangerous. California’s busy urban areas, especially in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, experience high volumes of traffic, and drivers often try to speed through intersections to avoid delays.
This behavior can lead to dangerous T-bone or side-impact crashes that can cause serious injury or death. Make sure to come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs, and don’t try to beat a yellow light. Safe driving at intersections helps prevent accidents and ensures everyone gets to their destination safely.
3. Tailgating and Speeding
Tailgating, or following another vehicle too closely, is a common problem in California, especially during rush hour or on the freeway. Not only does it make the roads more stressful for everyone, but it also increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
California drivers are also notorious for speeding, particularly on highways where the speed limit is 65 or 70 mph. The combination of speeding and tailgating can be a deadly mix. To avoid accidents, always maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you and stick to posted speed limits. When driving in heavy traffic, be patient and allow ample space for stopping.
4. Failure to Signal Lane Changes
It might seem like a minor oversight, but failing to use turn signals when changing lanes or merging is illegal in California. It’s essential to communicate your intentions to other drivers to avoid collisions, especially in the chaotic traffic that is so common in urban areas.
Using turn signals is not just a courtesy; it’s the law. Always signal when you plan to change lanes or make a turn. This simple action helps keep everyone on the road aware of your movements and reduces the risk of accidents.
5. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (whether legal or illegal) is a serious offense in California and remains one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. California has strict DUI laws, and driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) over 0.08% can lead to heavy fines, license suspension, and even jail time.
Additionally, impaired driving due to drugs—whether prescription, over-the-counter, or recreational—is just as dangerous and illegal. Never drive if you’re impaired. Always plan ahead for a designated driver, call a rideshare service, or use public transportation. The consequences of DUI are severe, and the impact on your life and others can be devastating.
6. Changing Lanes Without Checking Blind Spots
Many California drivers are guilty of changing lanes without properly checking their blind spots. This is especially dangerous on busy freeways and during high-speed driving, where a sudden lane change can lead to a crash.
To avoid accidents, always use your mirrors and check your blind spots before changing lanes. Take a moment to ensure the lane is clear, even if the coast appears to be clear. This habit is essential for preventing accidents and protecting yourself and other drivers.
7. Parking in Handicap Spaces Without Proper Authorization
In California, parking in spaces designated for handicapped drivers without the proper permit or license plate is both inconsiderate and illegal. Many people, often out of convenience or ignorance, park in these spots without realizing how it impacts individuals with disabilities who rely on these spaces for easy access to businesses and public spaces.
If you’re not authorized to park in a handicapped spot, don’t do it. The fine for parking in a restricted space is significant, but the impact on someone else’s mobility is far more severe. Always be mindful of parking laws and be considerate of those who need these spaces the most.
8. Rolling Through Stop Signs
Rolling through stop signs is another frustrating driving habit that many California drivers indulge in, especially in residential areas or at intersections with low traffic. While it may seem like a harmless shortcut, it can lead to accidents and is a violation of traffic laws.
Always come to a complete stop at stop signs and yield to pedestrians and cross traffic. Even if the intersection appears clear, stopping ensures you stay within the law and avoid accidents that could easily be prevented.
California’s roads are some of the busiest in the nation, and with heavy traffic comes the need for responsible and law-abiding driving. By breaking these dangerous and illegal habits, you’ll not only reduce the risk of accidents but also help make the roadways safer for everyone.
Whether it’s using turn signals, obeying speed limits, or simply staying off your phone, your actions behind the wheel matter. Let’s all do our part to drive safely and responsibly in the Golden State.
