Is it illegal to drive with indoor car lights on? Is driving barefoot breaking the law? We’ve all heard a tall tale or two in our lives and went on believing it, and driver safety is no different. Unfortunately, there are some driving misconceptions that many people believe to be true. As you continue to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the road, it’s important to differentiate between myth and fact.
Let’s debunk some common driving myths and reiterate driver safety facts so that you can make informed decisions on the open road!
Indoor car lights are illegal to have on while driving
This is a myth. While it’s not against the law, there might be a reason people seem to think it is. Turning on indoor lights while driving, especially at night, can distract and obstruct the driver’s perception.
Driving ten mph over the speed limit is acceptable
This is yet another common driving myth. The speed limit is not a suggestion; it’s the law. A common misconception is that the police will begin to ticket starting when a driver is going ten mph over the speed limit. The truth is that any number over the speed limit is technically speeding. In fact, if you go even 1 mph over the speed limit on the road skills test to obtain your license, it would classify as an automatic fail. Sticking as close to the speed limit as possible is the smartest and safest way to follow the law.
However, it’s important to remember that going significantly under the speed limit is just as dangerous as going over the speed limit. The only exception to this would be if severe conditions are present—like limited visibility. If you are driving through severe conditions, it may be appropriate to drive under the speed limit or pull over to a safe place. In short, always be mindful of your speed and any changes in speed limits.
Hands-free devices are completely safe to use while driving
Did you guess myth? You would be correct. While hands-free devices such as Bluetooth or Apple Carplay are safer than handling your phone while driving, they are not risk-free. Interacting with your phone in any way, such as talking on the phone or using talk-to-text methods, is a distraction and can still lead to driving accidents.
In Indiana, holding your phone in your hand while driving is illegal. Hands-free is the only legal way to use your phone while driving. If you’re under 18, it’s illegal to use your phone for any reason, even hands-free, while driving.
Driving barefoot is against the law
Chances are you’ve heard this myth before. Driving barefoot is not against the law federally or in Indiana. However, it is not recommended and considered unsafe. As a personal rule, it’s smart to always drive with shoes on.
A person merging onto the highway doesn’t have the right of way
We are switching gears; this one is a fact! The person getting onto the interstate or highway must yield to oncoming traffic. The cars already on the highway have the right of way.
Cleaning your windshield and headlights can increase your driving visibility
This is absolutely a fact. A dirty windshield obstructs the driver’s direct view of the road, and the same goes for headlights. Dirty headlights can impair your visibility at night, causing your view to become unclear. Dirt and debris can build up on these parts of the car, so cleaning them regularly is a good idea. Windshield wiper fluid, a microfiber cloth, or glass cleaner are all acceptable ways to clean your windshield and headlights.
Learn how to drive safer with Driver Ed Safety
As a new driver, it’s important to learn all of the correct rules of the road. At Driver Ed Safety, we offer courses and a Road Skills Test to ensure defensive driving so that you can make the right decisions on the road. Enroll in our Online Courses or Behind the Wheels lessons today!
