Common Driving Mistakes That Could Cost You — A Guide for Romanian Drivers

Summary

Always engage the parking brake on automatics, including on slopes, to protect the transmission.
Maintain safe following distances: 1-2m urban, 3 seconds national, 70-100m highway.
In emergencies, brake firmly, don’t pump, keep steering steady; modern cars have ABS.

Even the most experienced drivers can develop faulty habits at the wheel that not only reduce driving comfort but can also become dangerous. Many of us picked up these habits during driver education or developed them over the years, often without realizing the risks they entail. Identifying and correcting these mistakes can make the difference between a safe journey and a road accident.

In Romania, statistics show that the majority of road crashes are caused by human error, and many of them could be avoided by following a few simple safe-driving rules.

Neglecting the parking brake on automatic transmission vehicles

One of the most common faulty habits is neglecting the parking brake on vehicles with an automatic transmission. Many drivers believe that the “P” (Park) position is sufficient to immobilize the vehicle.

Why it is important to use the parking brake:

The automatic transmission has a mechanism called the parking pawl that locks rotation, but this is not designed to support the vehicle’s full weight
On steep slopes, this mechanism can be overloaded and even damaged
The parking brake distributes the load and protects the transmission system
In case of a hydraulic system failure, the parking brake remains functional

Even some modern automatic transmissions with advanced features do not automatically engage the parking brake when the engine stops. Adopt the habit of always engaging the parking brake, regardless of the vehicle’s transmission type.

Maintaining an insufficient following distance in traffic

Following distance is one of the most important rules in defensive driving, but many accidents occur precisely due to its neglect.

The safe following distance rule:

In urban areas: minimum 1-2 meters at low speeds
On national roads: the 3-second rule (the distance covered in 3 seconds at your driving speed)
On highways: minimum 70-100 meters at speeds of 130 km/h
In adverse weather conditions: double the normal distance

This distance not only allows you to react in time but also to perform evasive maneuvers if necessary. Many drivers think they are leaving space for others to cut in, but personal safety must be the top priority.

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Improper braking in emergency situations

In emergency situations, many drivers do not use the full potential of the braking system, either out of fear or due to a lack of knowledge.

How to brake correctly in an emergency:

Press the brake pedal firmly and decisively – modern systems are designed to operate at maximum capacity
Do not pump the brakes – ABS handles this automatically
Keep the steering wheel steady – avoid abrupt steering during braking
All cars from 2014 onward have ABS as standard, plus Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) and ESP/ESC and Brake Assist

Safety systems that help you:

ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) – prevents wheel lock-up
EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution) – distributes braking force to the axles
ESP/ESC – stability control
Brake Assist – automatic braking amplification

Ignoring steering wheel controls

The buttons on the steering wheel are not just for convenience – they were developed with safety in mind. Using them reduces the time you take your eyes off the road.

Essential functions available on the wheel:

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Volume control and radio station changes
Accepting/rejecting phone calls
Activating cruise control
Controls for the trip computer
Voice assistant commands

Invest time in learning the positions of these buttons so you can use them without taking your eyes off the road.

Neglecting tire checks

Tires are the only contact between the vehicle and the road, yet they are often the most neglected components.

What to check on tires:

Tire pressure:

Check the pressure monthly with cold tires
Under-inflation increases fuel consumption and wear
Over-inflation reduces grip and comfort
Pressure differences can cause instability

Tread depth:

Legal minimum in Romania: 1.6 mm
Recommended for safety: at least 3 mm
In winter: at least 4 mm
Use a 1-leu coin for a quick check

Uneven wear:

May indicate suspension problems
Incorrect wheel alignment
Imbalance or bearing problems

Tire age:

The manufacturing date is stamped on the sidewall (4 digits: week and year)
Replace after 6-8 years, regardless of wear
Rubber degrades over time, even when not in use

Blind spots are areas that the driver in front cannot see through the mirrors. Prolonged stay in these zones increases the risk of a crash.

Accelerate or decelerate to exit the hazard zone quickly
If you cannot exit immediately – keep a hand on the horn to warn quickly
On highways – decisively overtake, don’t stay alongside other vehicles
With trucks – the unseen area is much larger, keep greater distance

Incorrect seating position behind the wheel

A proper seating position is not only about comfort – it directly affects vehicle control and the effectiveness of safety systems.

Correct seat adjustment:

For the pedals and clutch:

Press the clutch (or brake on automatics) all the way down
The leg should remain slightly bent at the knee
The heel should rest lightly on the floor

For the steering wheel and arms:

Rest your wrists on the top of the wheel
Arms should be slightly bent at the elbows
Do not reach to the wheel
Correct hand position: 9:15

For height and visibility:

See the entire instrument cluster
Have clear visibility in all directions
Distance between chest and airbag: at least 25 cm

For the headrest:

The top of the headrest should be at head level
Distance from chest to headrest: maximum 6-7 cm
Prevents cervical injuries in a rear impact

Inadequate looking during driving

Most road accidents on rural roads are caused by insufficient looking and poor anticipation.

Correct visual technique:

Raising the line of sight:

Look as far ahead as possible on the road you are on
Do not fix your gaze on the area directly in front of the car
Continuously scan the horizon to anticipate changes

In curves:

Identify the apex of the curve
Visualize the ideal trajectory before entering the turn
Maintain a constant speed through the bend
Accelerate only when you see the exit from the turn

Preparing for turns:

Choose the correct speed before entering
Brake on the straight portion, before the turn
Steer progressively, not abruptly
Avoid hard braking in the middle of the curve

Dangerous door opening

Careless door opening causes hundreds of accidents each year, most of which can be avoided by following simple rules.

Safe exiting procedure from the vehicle:

Check in mirrors:

Check the mirrors for approaching vehicles
Watch for cyclists weaving between cars
Observe the speed of vehicles behind you

The Dutch reach technique:

Use the hand opposite to the door to open it (right hand for the driver’s door)
This forces you to turn your body and check the blind spot
Open only a crack initially to recheck

For passengers:

Teach children to wait for confirmation before exiting
Always check the passenger side before letting them out
On busy roads, always exit toward the curb side

Additional tips for safe driving

Vehicle maintenance:

Check fluids monthly (engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze)
Inspect lighting at least weekly
Replace air and fuel filters on time
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule

Adapting to road conditions:

Reduce speed in rain by 10-20%
In fog, use fog lights, not parking lights
In winter, gradually warm up the engine and check winter tires
On unpaved roads, reduce speed and increase the following distance

Managing fatigue:

Take breaks every 2 hours of driving
Do not drive more than 8 hours per day
Recognize signs of fatigue: yawning, frequent blinking, lane deviation
Stop and rest if you feel fatigued; do not try to push through

Avoiding these common mistakes will not only make you a better driver but also contribute to the safety of all road users. Defensive driving and adhering to basic rules can prevent the vast majority of road accidents.