Driving Etiquette 101
Driving is part of everyone’s life. You can be the driver, you can be the passenger, and you can be in a private car or in a public transportation, taxi, limo, bus or rental. Driving is an activity that requires concentration, responsibility, patience and knowledge of the laws and guidelines that govern it. Having proper driving etiquette allows everyone on the road to enjoy order and avoid unnecessary bad and rude behavior.
Follow these driving etiquette rules on the road and every one will benefit:
Make sure your car is in order and does not need any major repairs before you take it on the road
Driving Etiquette and the law stipulates you must wear a seat belt and make sure your passengers also wear theirs
Kids should be in the back and should have a child seat (follow the laws of your country)
Do not dial and talk on the phone while driving (only use hands free devices) you are putting your life and the life of others in danger
Do not text while driving (you are putting your life and the life of others in danger) it is irresponsible
Do not drink and drive (even if you think you can handle alcohol)
Do not read while driving
If your baby is crying or something is disturbing your driving find a safe place to stop and take care of the issue before you resume driving
Always keep in your trunk an emergency roadside kit (empty gas can, jumper cables, tire jack, flash light, emergency light, first aid kid, mini tire pump…)
Follow road signs
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Be attentive while driving
Keep a distance with the car in front of you (follow the rules of your country) no tailgating
It is proper driving etiquette to not eat and drive
Avoid hot beverages while driving (sudden movement can cause serious burns)
Be considerate, do not use your honk excessively, or at inappropriate hours (it’s rude and disturbing)
Do not become confrontational with other drivers (road rage could escalate to something serious)
Don’t instigate an argument with another driver even when provoked, you do not know what the other driver will do in response
Do not curse or make obscene gestures to the other drivers, even if they are clearly wrong defuse the situation by not retaliating, you never know who you are dealing with
Do not damage someone’s car on purpose
Do not cutoff anyone
Do not double on the right lane
Do not go below minimum speed limit on fast lane
If you have a problem use your hazard light
Do not follow anyone to tell them off
If someone follows you call the police
Do not use the high beams on another driver (it is dangerous, you are blinding them)
Do not get out of your car to threaten another driver (avoid confrontations)
Always keep calm, keep your cool, and do not put yourself and your passengers in danger
Be courteous and allow someone to pass or go in front of you, (sometimes people are lost or at the last minute realize they are not on the right lane
Do not park in reserved parking or handicap parking zone
Do not take more than one parking space (not etiquette to park on two spots)
Do not park in a dark area alone at night
Make sure you check your car before entering when your alone
Lock your doors when you are in or out of the car
If kids are with you make sure child lock is on
If kids are with you make sure not to lose your concentration because of noise or kids arguing or fighting