Prepare To Be Honked At If You Don't Obey These 20 Unwritten Road Etiquette Rules
Hey, I’m Walkin’ Here!
Though driving should be relaxing, it’s often more of a free-for-all full of little old ladies and people who won’t signal. Unfortunately, that’s just the beginning, and we’re here to blow off some steam about unspoken rules we wish more motorists followed.
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels
1. The Thank You Wave
The thank you wave is a longstanding common courtesy. Whether someone lets you merge or forgoes their right of way, a simple wave shows your appreciation. If you pass without so much as a nod, you better believe you just ruined someone’s day.
Photo by Spora Weddings on Pexels
2. Flash for Speed Traps
Flashing headlights is often reserved for warnings, and that includes speed traps. Good drivers alert opposite lanes of incoming traps, allowing you a chance to slow down and prevent a speeding ticket.
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels
3. Assume Everyone is an Idiot
Assume everyone else is a fool. Between cutting off traffic to not using turn signals, accidents happen every day. Assuming the worst in other drivers keeps you alert and ensures you follow the rules, even if others won’t.
Photo by JESHOOTS.com on Pexels
4. Speed Up on On-Ramps
On-ramps aren’t a place to slow down, they’re a place to merge into traffic. Yet, every day countless drivers have to slam their brakes because someone wants to crawl onto the highway.
Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
5. Don’t Be Nice, Be Predictable
As nice as it is to let someone pass, predictability is far safer on the road. When everyone follows the rules, there’s no need to second-guess what other drivers will do. Now, if only every other driver followed the rules…
Photo by Courtney Corlew on Unsplash
6. Know Your Surroundings
Driving is filled with split-second decisions, which means you need to be on your game at all times. Others may not have the best habits but practicing your own keeps you safe and prepares you for anything.
7. Don’t Tailgate
Don’t let others pressure you into tailgating. Even if they’re riding up your butt, keep a safe distance between you and the driver in front. That guy behind you won’t be happy, but tailgating is a leading cause of rear-end collisions and there’s no reason to adopt their terrible habits.
8. Lights on in the Rain
It doesn’t matter if you’re inexperienced or an established motorist—headlights on in the rain. Lights (yes, even during the day) grant visibility in poor conditions and also make you more noticeable to others. When in doubt, follow this common rule: if your wipers are on, your headlights should be, too.
Photo by Jerry Kavan on Unsplash
9. Use Your Turn Signal
For some reason, this simple rule never took off. From using it after they brake or not using it at all, some drivers like to telepathically communicate their route. Maybe we can telepathically flip them the bird.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels
10. Ditch Road Rage
Road rage causes more accidents than people realize, so don’t lose your cool. Yes, other drivers can make mistakes. Yes, other drivers may even damage your vehicle. But levelheadedness is the safest route. (It also keeps you off the internet.)
Photo by Borys Zaitsev on Pexels
11. No Distractions
There isn’t one text message in the world more important than safe driving. Say it with us: put your phone away. Though teens are likely culprits for distracted driving, plenty of adults are just as reckless.
Photo by Roman Pohorecki on Pexels
12. Don’t Honk at Lights
Driving is all about patience—a concept lost on some motorists. It’s hard not to roll your eyes at drivers who honk as soon as the light turns green. It’s just as hard to not honk right back.
Photo by Andraz Lazic on Unsplash
13. Leave Space to Merge (When Safe)
Some drivers love to act like highway bouncers, refusing entry willy-nilly. Well, like it or not, we all share the road, and leaving space to merge not only keeps everyone safe, but it’s also a common courtesy.
Photo by takahiro taguchi on Unsplash
14. Stop the Rubbernecking
Slowing down at an accident is one thing, but gawking is completely unnecessary. It’s a common phenomenon known as rubbernecking, and it’s jammed countless roads for years. It’s also rude when you stop to think about it.
Photo by Volodymyr Proskurovskyi on Unsplash
15. Go With the Flow
Did you know that driving just 10 miles under the speed limit puts you at greater risk of an accident? In fact, driving under the limit is just as dangerous as flying down the road. Going with the flow of traffic prevents accidents and honking.
Photo by Kaique Rocha on Pexels
16. Don’t Block Traffic for Pick-Ups
It’s nice that you want to pick up your friend, but others shouldn’t have to suffer. Coordinate with passengers to ensure they’re already waiting by the time you get there—unless, of course, you want to be honked at.
Photo by David Emrich on Unsplash
17. Keep Out of Blind Spots
As a driver, you know where blind spots are, which is exactly why you shouldn’t cruise there. Driving in blind spots is incredibly dangerous, so either pick up the pace, change lanes, or slow down a bit.
18. Leave the House Early
If you know you have somewhere to be, plan accordingly and leave early. No motorist wants to worry about wannabe NASCAR drivers who weave through traffic or blow through stop signs.
Photo by Mark Cruz on Unsplash
19. Lay off the Horn
Ah, yes, let us listen to the song of angry drivers. Look, we all know the horn is there but it’s really for emergencies or to alert other motorists—it’s not there to honk at every candy wrapper that blows by.
Photo by Julian Hochgesang on Unsplash
20. Open Doors With Caution
Alertness doesn’t end when the engine’s off. Don’t just open car doors, especially if you’re in a parking lot or near bike lanes. Check your surroundings and avoid any injury!
