8 Driving Rules Your Parents Taught You That Are Outdated Today

If you learned to drive years ago, chances are your parents passed along a set of rules they swore by. At the time, those habits might have been standard, but times—and traffic laws—have changed. Some of those lessons are now considered outdated driving rules that could even get you in trouble or put you at risk. Advances in vehicle technology, updated safety research, and new traffic regulations have transformed how we’re supposed to be on the road. Here are eight driving rules your parents taught you that no longer apply today.

1. Placing Your Hands at 10 and 2

For decades, driving instructors taught that the safest way to hold the wheel was at the 10 and 2 o’clock positions. However, with the invention of airbags, this outdated driving rule can actually be dangerous. In a crash, having your hands too high increases the risk of injury if the airbag deploys. Today, safety experts recommend the 9 and 3 positions for better control and protection. It’s a simple change that could prevent serious injury.

2. Always Pump the Brakes in an Emergency

Your parents may have told you to “pump the brakes” when trying to stop suddenly to avoid skidding. That advice made sense before most cars had anti-lock braking systems (ABS). Modern ABS automatically pumps the brakes for you, allowing you to keep steady pressure on the pedal. Following the old method can actually reduce your stopping power. Understanding your car’s technology makes this one of the most important outdated driving rules to unlearn.

3. Using Only Your Mirrors to Check Blind Spots

Once upon a time, drivers were taught to rely solely on their mirrors to see what was around them. While mirrors are essential, they don’t give you the complete picture. This outdated driving rule ignores the fact that blind spots still exist. Modern driving safety emphasizes a quick shoulder check in addition to using mirrors. With more SUVs and trucks on the road today, this step is more important than ever.

4. Idling the Engine Before Driving

If your parents grew up driving older cars, they might have told you to let the engine idle for a few minutes before heading out. Back then, carburetors needed time to warm up for smooth operation. Today’s fuel-injected engines are designed to be driven almost immediately after starting. Extended idling just wastes fuel and contributes to unnecessary emissions. This outdated driving rule is one you can safely leave in the past.

5. Keeping a Full Car Length for Every 10 MPH

Many drivers learned the “one car length per 10 miles per hour” rule for following distance. While it’s easy to remember, it’s no longer the safest measure. Modern safety experts recommend the “three-second rule,” which accounts for speed and reaction time. You simply pick a stationary object ahead and make sure at least three seconds pass before you reach it after the vehicle in front passes it. This method works regardless of the size of your car or your speed.

6. Resting Your Hand on the Gear Shift

Your parents might have told you to keep one hand on the steering wheel and the other on the gear shift—especially if you learned on a manual transmission. While it may feel natural, this outdated driving rule can cause premature wear on the transmission. In automatic vehicles, it’s completely unnecessary. Keeping both hands on the wheel gives you better control and is now the recommended practice for all drivers.

7. Driving Barefoot for “Better Control”

Some older drivers still believe driving barefoot offers better pedal control than wearing shoes. This outdated driving rule can actually reduce safety, as bare feet provide less grip and protection. In an emergency, shoes can help you apply firmer pressure to the pedals. Additionally, driving barefoot can be uncomfortable and lead to slower reaction times. Proper driving footwear is a much safer choice.

8. Flashing Your Lights to Warn of Police

It used to be common for drivers to flash their headlights at oncoming cars to warn them about police speed traps. While it may have been seen as a friendly gesture, in some areas it’s now illegal. Laws vary by state, but in many places, it’s considered interfering with law enforcement. Instead of relying on this outdated driving rule, it’s better to stick to posted speed limits and stay alert. Technology like navigation apps can also provide legal hazard warnings.

Driving Smarter Means Letting Go of the Past

Holding onto outdated driving rules can make you less safe, less efficient, and even put you on the wrong side of the law. Today’s roads are faster, more crowded, and filled with advanced vehicle technology that changes the way we should drive. By updating your habits, you not only protect yourself but also set a better example for the next generation of drivers. Let the past be a lesson—and let today’s rules guide the way forward.

Did your parents teach you any of these outdated driving rules? Share the ones you remember most in the comments below.

Read More

10 Car Warranties That Void Over Everyday Driving Habits

Still Driving That Beater? Here’s Why It Might Be a Bad Idea, Despite Dave Ramsey’s Advice

The post 8 Driving Rules Your Parents Taught You That Are Outdated Today appeared first on Clever Dude Personal Finance & Money.