The road can be an enjoyable place to drive if you take the time to practice good driving manners. It can also help you avoid road rage and make the experience safer for everyone involved.
From lane merges to left turns, a little etiquette goes a long way! Learn the eight rules of common courtesies and you’ll be a more courteous driver.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Keeping your eyes on the road is one of the most important things you can do as a driver. It can help keep you safe, as well as save others on the road from distractions that could lead to an accident.
Distracted driving is a huge problem on our roads, and it is becoming even more common with the growth of technology in cars. Texting, talking on the phone, and checking your social media accounts while behind the wheel can all cause you to lose focus and put other drivers at risk.
Smart drivers pay attention not just to what is directly in front of them, but also to the road conditions and traffic around them. This keeps them from getting caught up in the rush and helps them react quickly to changes in their surroundings.
Taller vehicles can also be helpful, as they can give you a better view of the road. For example, if you are driving in a crowded traffic jam and a tall bus suddenly starts to change lanes, it might mean that there is an accident or roadblock ahead.
When you are scanning, be sure to check your rearview mirror as well. This will allow you to see if there are other drivers who may need to change lanes and get out of the way.
Another way to stay focused on the road is by using a heads-up display (HUD) in your car. This will show you the speed of the traffic in front of you, as well as road signs and other information that can help you avoid an accident.
It is also a good idea to get organized and remove any clutter from the vehicle before you drive. This will help you to avoid distractions, and it will also make the process of driving easier.
Don’t Throw Trash Out the Window
If you’re a driver, it’s important to avoid distractions while driving. Texting, eating, grooming or talking with passengers are all things that can take your attention off the road and can make you more likely to get into an accident.
But the most obvious distraction that you can avoid is throwing trash out the window. It is a bad habit that can lead to dangerous consequences for both you and others on the road.
Tossing food scraps, cigarette butts and empty soft drink cans out the window when you’re on the road is not only a bad idea for your own health but also for the environment. It attracts animals that are not safe to be around and can cause them to encroach on your vehicle and on the road.
Even though food scraps are biodegradable, it is not recommended to throw them out of your vehicle. This is because they are not only harmful to your car and its interior, but they can also kill wildlife that eat them.
The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to prevent littering while you’re on the road. Start a new routine today and make it a point to gather up any trash that you pick up.
Then, when you’re finished with the garbage, place it in a litter bag and put it out where it can be picked up. This is an easy and convenient way to help keep your community clean. You can also help reduce other people’s littering habits by participating in your local community litter cleanup event or volunteering to collect and dispose of trash in your neighborhood.
Don’t Turn Without Warning
Turning without warning is not only dangerous, but it can also be a sign of poor driving manners. Drivers should always check their mirrors and watch for other drivers before making a move.
Be especially alert to pedestrians and bicyclists when you’re preparing to turn, as these groups are often more difficult to spot in traffic. You can also use your hazard lights to indicate when you’re about to make a safe move.
A great way to avoid turning without warning is to make sure that you’re in the right lane before you turn. This can be done by checking lane use control signs or pavement markings.
You can also try changing your route to avoid left-hand turns in parking lots and big intersections where this is not permitted. In addition to being safer, this may be the only way you can save money on fuel.
The law requires that you have your turn signals at least 100 feet (35 meters) in front of your vehicle, and that they’re properly displayed. This helps other drivers know your intentions, and it makes for a safer, more pleasant drive.
If you’re looking to make a safer turn, look for the right curb or edge of the road and be ready with your horn when it’s time to make the move. This will help prevent an accident from happening because you’ll be able to see if anyone is approaching from behind and make your turn accordingly.
Hopefully you’ve learned a thing or two about driving while following these guidelines. However, there are a lot of things that can go wrong when you’re behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Don’t Honk Your Horn
Honking your horn is a common driving maneuver, but it can be dangerous. It can distract you from the road and cause other drivers to become distracted too, which can lead to a serious accident.
It can be tempting to annoy other drivers when you’re angry or impatient with them, but honking isn’t always necessary. In some situations, honking is actually illegal.
For example, it’s against the law in New York to honk at someone who is going slow. This includes people who are sick or have mechanical problems with their vehicle.
Another reason to avoid honking is if you’re stuck in traffic. It’s not always easy to find an alternative route when you’re stuck in traffic, and if you honk your horn too much, it can be even more annoying for other drivers.
You can also honk your horn when you want other drivers to know about an event taking place nearby. This may include a wedding, procession, protest or fundraiser.
If you’re unsure about whether or not it’s legal to honk, check the laws in your state. You may not be able to honk in some places between certain hours, such as between 11:30 pm and 7:30 pm.
However, it’s not against the law to honk your horn when you have a clear safety need. This is especially true if you’re alerting other drivers about a hazardous situation on the road ahead or if you need to warn a pedestrian that they should stay away from your car.
It’s important to remember that the horn should only be used when you need it for safety purposes and that it should never be used as a distraction. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents, so it’s essential to avoid distractions while you’re on the road.
Don’t Pinch Someone’s Parking Space
While it’s not uncommon to find someone taking up two or more spaces in a parking lot, pinching someone’s spot is a violation of common decency. Moreover, this can lead to a crash, as drivers may not be able to avoid hitting other vehicles or people who are in the way.
If you do encounter someone who has parked in an unreasonably tight space, you can avoid pinching their car by carefully checking the left and right sides of your vehicle. When you see that there’s no room on either side of the space, move your vehicle slowly forward until your front bumper is at least half-way through the stall you are parking in.
You should also be aware of how close your vehicle is to parked cars on the opposite side, and be sure to check all mirrors before moving forward. This will help you ensure that you are in a safe space when you leave.
Other distractions while driving include eating, using a cell phone, talking on a phone, and searching for items. These all require your eyes, hands, and attention, which can make it difficult to keep track of the road or react to unexpected events that occur. So it’s important to avoid all distractions while driving, especially ones that could endanger your safety. If you do need to use a cell phone, pull over and call in a safe spot so that you can focus on the task at hand.