Just Drive: The Five Worst Driving Errors

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We tend to forget that driving is serious business -- Why? We're so busy talking on the cell phone, yelling at the driver in front of us and jotting notes on our calendar. GMAC Insurance has identified the five worst driving errors, the ones that could kill you or someone else.

Backing up without looking
You don't have eyes in the back of your head so look over your shoulder when you put the car in reverse. Remember, objects in the mirror are closer than they appear. Your side and rearview mirrors have a margin of error, so don't rely on them alone. Even with a back up camera, look over your shoulder before backing up.

Multi-tasking
When you turn on the car, turn off the gadgets. No matter how busy your day is, when you're on the road, focus only on driving. Catch up on other activities later and avoid unnecessary accidents.

Follow too closely
Count: One thousand one. One thousand two. That's about two seconds, and that's the cushion that should be between you and the vehicle ahead. It could not only save your bumper, but also your life. Make sure to double or triple that time when the weather is bad or the pavement is slick.

Failure to yield on a left-hand turn
Check the flow before you go. Also, look at the street onto which you are turning to make sure there are no vehicles or pedestrians in your path.

Incorrect merging
That yield sign means just that: Yield--not stop. Accidents often occur when you are stuck behind a driver entering a highway who interprets yield as a dead stop. Don't be the guilty party. Use the ramp as a means for merging into traffic, not causing it to back up.