Table of Contents
In terms of driving, we’ve all heard myths gathered through the years from kin, buddies, and beliefs within the public sphere. Whether or not it’s myths about automobile security, upkeep, or trivial issues, reminiscent of whether or not it’s authorized to drive barefoot or hold the sunshine on in your automobile, you will have some misconceptions about your automobile and the way you drive it. Let’s check out a few of the most typical driving myths and why they aren’t true.
Normal myths
Pink automobiles usually tend to be pulled over
You’ve little question heard this fable earlier than, that the very daring colour of a pink automobile means you’re extra prone to be pulled over by the police. The truth is that your driving habits get you observed by legislation enforcement, not the colour of your automobile. There’s actually no proof to assist the declare that pink automobiles usually tend to be stopped by police.
You possibly can solely be pulled over for rushing should you go over 10 miles an hour
The reality of the matter on rushing is that any quantity of pace over the posted restrict is topic to ticketing. Cops usually function at their very own discretion on this problem, however there’s no acceptable variety of miles over a pace restrict to which you might be immune from receiving a ticket.
When driving, put your fingers at 10 and a couple of on the steering wheel
Earlier generations of drivers had been taught to put their fingers on the 10 and a couple of place on the steering wheel, nevertheless that steering has modified. The Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) recommends drivers place their fingers on the 9 and three place. This place offers you a wider vary of movement and skill in maneuvering and accounts for the doable deployment of an airbag.
It’s unlawful to drive barefoot
The concept that it’s unlawful to drive barefoot is a fable that has persevered for a very long time. Whereas there could also be native or metropolis laws prohibiting it, there isn’t a U.S. state that has declared it unlawful. The final rule of thumb is that driving barefoot will not be the most secure follow to interact in because it may contribute to an accident, nevertheless it’s most likely authorized nonetheless.
Previous automobiles had been higher made
The final consensus is that older automobiles had been extra sturdy and higher manufactured than right this moment’s automobiles, however that couldn’t be farther from the reality. No doubt, resulting from developments in engineering and manufacturing, right this moment’s automobiles are safer, higher, and last more, even among the many lower-priced fashions.
It’s unlawful to have a lightweight on within the automobile whereas driving
That is one other persistent fable that has lasted, however for many states, it’s unfaithful. Although it could be distracting, it’s not unlawful most often to have a lightweight on in your automobile whereas driving. The one time it could be an element is that if it contributes to habits that’s thought-about distracting and contributes to a automobile accident.
It’s unlawful to eat and drive
For essentially the most half, consuming and driving is authorized, although not advisable. Whereas states could not have specific legal guidelines banning consuming and driving, if consuming causes you to be reckless or distracted whereas on the highway, you may be cited.
You possibly can’t get a ticket for driving too slowly
Although driving slowly on the highway could look like a innocent infraction in comparison with different dangerous driving behaviors, you possibly can obtain a ticket for driving too slowly. In a case like this, you’ll be blocking or impeding the stream of visitors, which is as a lot of a threat to drivers on the highway as rushing.
Security myths
Utilizing a hands-free system to take telephone calls whereas driving is protected
Whereas utilizing a hands-free system to make telephone calls whereas driving could also be permitted, it doesn’t imply it’s protected. Fingers-free units enhance a driver’s capability behind the wheel minimally. Although it’s much less concerned than bodily having your fingers on a telephone, speaking on the telephone whereas driving continues to be a cognitive distraction and does little to eradicate threat on the highway.
Seatbelts and airbags trigger extra hurt than good
Opposite to this fashionable fable, seatbelts and airbags truly do extra good than hurt. The Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) state that seatbelts scale back the danger of dying and severe damage by half. Whereas there have been airbag-related accidents, that quantity is a fraction in comparison with the lives saved by airbags.
You don’t have to put on a seatbelt within the backseat of a automobile
Nothing may very well be farther from the reality than the concept that you don’t have to put on a seatbelt within the backseat of a automobile. First, you most likely received’t have airbag safety within the backseat of a automobile, and second, you’ll nonetheless be an unsecured individual in a automobile, which might tremendously improve the chance of damage or dying.
Utilizing a mobile phone at a gasoline station could cause an explosion
Chances are you’ll be stunned to listen to it, however there’s no proof to assist this fable. The Petroleum Tools Institute (PEI) has investigated fires at gasoline stations for many years and has discovered no proof that mobile phone use is chargeable for igniting fires. PEI nonetheless advises towards utilizing any digital system on the pump in order to not be distracted.
4-wheel drive makes it protected to drive within the snow
4-wheel drive doesn’t robotically make it protected to drive within the snow. It might probably assist with ahead traction, nevertheless it can’t help with lateral grip or braking. An funding in snow tires could also be your greatest wager.
The parking brake will help you cease in winter climate
That is yet one more fable. In case your braking system has failed fully, then your parking brake may provide help to in winter climate, however usually talking, it’s not true. It’s thought you’d be switching your ABS system for all 4 wheels for a restricted quantity of management on the rear wheels.
The larger the automobile, the safer it’s
Whereas widespread notion is that the larger the automobile, the safer it’s, which may be true in some respects, however not fully. A much bigger automobile is heavier and more durable to regulate, and the results to the motive force, passengers, or property may very well be extreme.
You must hold your doorways unlocked whereas driving
Although the consensus is you must hold your doorways unlocked whereas driving as a precaution within the occasion of an accident, this can be a fable and the truth is that locked doorways are safer. Unlocked doorways usually tend to open throughout a collision, rising the prospect you may be ejected. In truth, newer mannequin automobiles robotically lock your door when you are driving. If an accident occurs, the newest expertise in rescue would enable for simpler extrication of individuals.
It’s okay to drive should you’re “just a bit buzzed”
Any quantity of alcohol is an excessive amount of and can impair your driving capability on the highway. Blood alcohol content material (BAC) of 0.08% is a federally acknowledged authorized restrict in driving, nevertheless, an individual’s capability to carry out two duties at one time is affected at a BAC of 0.02%. Consumption of alcohol impairs your capability to assume and purpose, in addition to your muscle coordination. Ingesting and driving at any stage of alcohol consumption is harmful.
Upkeep myths
You need to change your oil each 3,000 miles
This was a quick and onerous rule, nevertheless, because of the developments in oil and engine expertise, it’s not the case. How usually you alter your oil – new estimates are between 5,000 to 7,500 miles – now relies on the particular suggestions of your automobile producer.
You must heat up your automobile earlier than you drive it
Although your dad and mom and grandparents’ automobiles needed to be warmed up earlier than driving many years in the past, that is not vital. Due to trendy expertise, this can be a step you possibly can bypass once you’re able to take a drive on the highway. Right this moment’s digital gas injection permits engines to function successfully even once they’re chilly.
Usually talking, this fable is just not true. In case your engine is designed for premium or in case your engine is supplied to deal with each varieties of gas, however will get higher efficiency with premium, then this assertion applies to you. Nevertheless, it’s not a tough and quick rule and relies on the kind of engine you have got in your automobile. In case your automobile handbook recommends common gasoline and you set in premium, there received’t be any profit.
Some issues get sophisticated…so verify your state legal guidelines
Are you able to flash your headlights to warn different drivers of pace traps?
In some states that is allowed and below sure circumstances, reminiscent of the kind of roadway, whether or not it’s day or night time, or whether or not excessive beams or low beams are used. Some states even view it as constitutionally protected speech.
Even when it’s unlawful to make use of your telephone whereas driving, you possibly can nonetheless use it at a pink mild
Whether or not or not this can be a fable relies on the state. Some states have whole bans on mobile phone use and drivers may be cited only for having a mobile phone of their hand. Restrictions pertaining to age in addition to whether or not a driver is in a faculty or work zone can also apply.
Passengers can drink alcohol so long as the motive force doesn’t
Whether or not or not this may be finished relies on the state. Some states prohibit consumption or possession of containers of alcohol for all passengers in a automobile, whereas different states restrict it to the motive force of the automobile.
You possibly can honk your horn everytime you need
Some states could have noise management ordinances which may restrict honking your horn. Many states dictate when it’s applicable to honk whereas driving, reminiscent of to alert a driver who’s about to hit you, to alert a driver of a modified visitors sign, or to warn a pedestrian of any hazard.
All in all, some driving myths are false, others are outdated, and a few rely in your automobile or state residence, however with the correct info, you is usually a higher and safer driver on the highway. Be sure you are correctly coated with automobile insurance coverage. Get a quote right this moment.
