Driving is a stressful thing to do, and it can often be difficult to stay calm. Good driving manners can help reduce stress and make the road safer for everyone.
It’s easy to get annoyed with other drivers, but it’s important to remember that they are just people like you and me. When you follow the following driving etiquette tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your drive more and avoid confrontation.
1. Keep your hands to yourself
It’s always been a good idea to keep your hands on the steering wheel, even when you are making turns. This is because you want to be able to quickly react to things happening on the road, such as other drivers changing lanes, getting out of their lane and turning left.
But sometimes people find it hard to stay focused on the road when they’re driving, so they start taking their hands off the wheel. This is known as a manual distraction and it can make your reaction time much slower, so you may be unable to avoid a collision or skid.
If you’re a new driver, you might be taught how to position your hands on the wheel, in what’s known as “10 and 2” or where the numbers would be on a clock. But NHTSA says that this method could be dangerous in some cars, so the organization now recommends placing your hands a little lower, on what they call the “9 and 3” side of the wheel.
This can be difficult at first, but it’s essential to keeping yourself safe on the road. It’s also vital to maintaining your focus on the road if you’re in a situation that requires your attention, such as a deer jumping in front of you.
2. Don’t leave rubbish in someone else’s car
The rubbish bag is a ubiquitous household item, but it isn’t exactly the best use of space or the most efficient way to dispose of your waste. It is also the source of some major annoyances for other road users, especially when it’s not in the right place. This is particularly true when it comes to food waste, where Animal By-Product Regulations are in full force. The best way to get rid of your kitchen scraps is to go to the local green waste centre or kerbside compost bin. If you can’t find a suitable bin, then consider using a biodegradable bag.
3. Don’t hog the left lane
Highways are great places to travel, but they don’t come without rules. For example, it’s a common law in many states that you shouldn’t hog the left lane unless you’re overtaking cars.
However, people have different interpretations of this rule – so it can be difficult to know exactly what is and isn’t allowed. This is why police in several states are increasingly focusing on this issue.
In some states, you can be ticketed if you stay in the left lane unless you’re passing other cars. For instance, in Texas, you could be fined $200 if you remain in the left lane for too long.
Another reason why hogging the left lane is bad driving is because it deprives other drivers of an open space to overtake. This can result in misjudged overtaking, which is one of the most common causes of traffic accidents.
The left lane is designed to be the main lane for passing, so it’s important not to block this lane. This can cause a lot of problems and could lead to serious accidents.
While it’s legal in 29 states to stay in the left lane when you’re not passing, it’s not a good idea to do this. This can lead to speeding, which is not safe and can also lead to tickets.
The United States has more than 100 different state laws that govern how you should use the road. While some are stricter than others, most say you should only use the left lane if you’re turning or passing other cars. These are called “keep right” laws, and they’re a good thing to remember when you’re driving.
4. Don’t slam on your brakes
Slamming on your brakes can be a dangerous practice that could lead to an accident. It’s something that all drivers should avoid.
You’ve probably been there, you’re driving along and a car suddenly stops in front of you. It might have been a police car, or just someone who felt like they had to slam on the brakes.
The problem with slamming on your brakes is that it can damage your brake pads, your rotors and your suspension. It can also make your brake hoses rip or crack and cause fluid leaks.
This isn’t just bad for your brakes – it can also cause serious injuries and even fatalities. For example, sudden braking could result in a crash between your vehicle and another car.
It could also result in your vehicle crashing into the side of an oncoming car or building. Similarly, slamming on your brakes could be dangerous in bad weather conditions.
Wet or icy roads can be particularly dangerous for slamming on your brakes as they can lock up your wheels and send you into a skid. This can result in a serious accident, and even an injury to an innocent pedestrian.
If you do need to slam on your brakes for an emergency, it’s a good idea to do it slowly. This is called “controlled braking.”
To do this, place your heel on the floor so that it touches the pedal. Then pivot your foot forward to apply light pressure. Gradually, increase the amount of pressure that you apply to the pedal until it begins to slow down or stop your car.
This is a safe and effective way to use your brakes, and it won’t damage your brake pads or rotors or your suspension. In addition, it can save you money in the long run by reducing the wear and tear on your car.
5. Don’t block traffic
You shouldn’t block traffic unless it’s absolutely necessary or you have a legitimate reason. For example, if there’s an emergency and it’s not safe for you to drive, you should move your car out of the way. You can also be legally forced to move your car if you’re involved in a crash.
When drivers block intersections, they can endanger other drivers and prevent cross traffic movement. In addition, it can cause substantial traffic delays and gridlock.
Many cities around the country have developed public education campaigns about this issue, including New York City and Austin, Texas. They use signage and cameras to help stop this behavior.
The “Don’t Block the Box!” campaign reminds drivers that they should not enter an intersection if it would be difficult to get through when the light turns red. This practice causes major congestion, and could even lead to a fatal accident.
Drivers must also obey traffic laws when crossing a street. If you’re stopped at a red light, you must wait until it turns green again before you can cross. You’re also required to yield to pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks on your left or right.
Similarly, drivers should not block bus stops, or any other areas where there’s not room to maneuver. They should keep their distance from buses so they can see where the bus is going to stop and allow space to maneuver around it. They should also avoid blocking side streets and offset intersections as they can cause major traffic congestion.