Drivers have a set of unspoken rules they follow, which can make the road safer and easier for everyone.
Whether you are a new driver or an experienced driver, you should always follow these driving manners. They can help you avoid making mistakes and getting into an accident.
Keep Your Eyes on the Road
When driving, your eyes are essential for keeping you safe. They help you look ahead, to the sides of the road and behind your vehicle, as well as check for any unexpected events.
Whether you’re a beginner driver or have years of experience, you must be careful not to take your eyes off the road for more than a few seconds at a time. This can cause cognitive distractions, which are a major contributing factor to crashes and other motor vehicle accidents.
It’s important to keep your eyes on the road at all times, especially when you’re on a busy highway. This includes scanning the road and the surrounding environment at all times to make sure you’re aware of potential hazards, such as traffic signs or road construction.
This helps you anticipate any possible problems and respond quickly to them. Then, you can prevent them from happening and reduce your chances of an accident.
You should also avoid using cell phones while driving. Studies show that young drivers, particularly teenagers, are more likely to be distracted by cell phone use while driving than adult drivers.
As an added precaution, consider mounting your cell phone in a location that’s easy to reach and doesn’t block your view of the road. You can also install a speakerphone that allows you to initiate and end calls with one touch.
You should also check your blind spots before pulling out to pass a vehicle. If you’re going to pass a large truck or other vehicle, make sure you have plenty of space in front of you. If you can’t see the vehicle you’re passing, you won’t have enough time to stop and get out of the way.
Don’t Leave Trash in Your Car
Having too much trash in your car can wreak havoc on your motoring abilities. It could also attract the likes of rodents that could do more damage to your vehicle than a good ol’ fashion blitzkrieg if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to minimize the clutter in your vehicle. From installing a trash can to picking up the litter, you can keep your ride looking its best. The more clutter you remove from your car the more comfortable it will be to drive, which should result in a better day out on the road. The best way to do this is to make a regular habit of the car cleaning and maintenance ritual, preferably before you leave for work or play. There are many things you can do to improve your driving abilities, so take advantage of the tips in this article to improve your driving experience for the benefit of yourself and others on the road.
Don’t Turn Without a Signal
Turn signals are the best way to let other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists know where you plan to make a turn. They’re also a great way to avoid accidents. It only takes a second to signal, and it could save you or someone else’s life.
In fact, failure to signal before making a turn is one of the most common reasons for car accidents in the U.S. It causes panic braking, sudden swerves, and fender-benders.
If you’re turning into a parking lot or other area with parked cars, you should signal to let others know you intend to do so. You can signal by putting your signal light on about 100 feet before you reach the turn.
Some states require drivers to give a signal before changing lanes, too. In Indiana, for example, the law says that drivers must signal before turning or changing lanes in any direction.
It also states that the driver must signal within five seconds of changing lanes, giving anyone in traffic around you time to react.
However, many drivers fail to use turn signals because they’re too lazy to flip a switch. That’s a very poor excuse for ignoring the law.
Another reason people don’t use their turn signals is because they think it’s a waste of time. It’s true that it only takes a second to signal, but some drivers believe that it takes too long and they don’t want to put their hands on the steering wheel for an extra second.
In addition, drivers may be afraid of getting a ticket or even being arrested for failing to use their turn signals. That could also be a good reason for them not to signal.
Make Way for Emergency Vehicles
Making way for emergency vehicles is essential to ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Whether you’re driving on a busy highway or in the city, it’s important to keep your eyes on the road and not to panic when you see an emergency vehicle approaching.
You’ll need to pull over as close to the right side of the road as you can and stop, just as if you were stopped on an intersection against a red light. However, you shouldn’t run a red light to make way for an emergency vehicle, as this is illegal.
In some situations, it’s even possible to move over to the other side of the road. This is especially true if you’re on a freeway, where there are physically separated lanes in each direction of travel.
Another way to make way for emergency vehicles is to create an “emergency corridor.” This is a gap in the middle of the road where cars in adjoining lanes move over to the opposite side of the lane to create a space. This allows for the emergency vehicles to pass more easily, which can save time and improve the safety of everyone on the road.
A recent study found that drivers’ propensity to give way to emergency vehicles can vary greatly from one driver to the next. This can cause some people to become confused and make the situation more dangerous for all parties involved. By broadcasting messages about emergency vehicles’ approach and demands for others to give way, it’s possible to reduce the number of people who fail to give way properly, which can help emergency crews get to the scene faster and more safely.
Be Kind to Other Drivers
Practicing kindness on the road will help you develop better driving manners. It is a good practice for your emotional well-being as well.
One way to be kind to other drivers is to allow them to merge into your lane when they need to. This courtesy helps other cars move more easily and reduces traffic jams.
It also helps you keep your own lane, preventing other drivers from tailgating or cutting in front of you.
Another tip for being kind on the road is to stop when you see a stop sign. Whether you’re on the highway or an urban street, you should always yield to other drivers who are coming to a stop sign or signal. If you ignore this etiquette, other drivers will get confused and you could end up in a serious collision.
You can also be kind to other drivers by giving them space when they need it, even if you are not sure what they are going through. Maybe they are visiting a sick family member or rushing to pick up a child from school.
If you are driving in rush hour, it is important to allow time for other drivers to merge into your lane. It is not uncommon to encounter aggressive “merge-blockers.” These are drivers who pull in front of you and block your path, which can lead to a crash.
Similarly, you should always give other drivers space when they are turning. This is a simple courtesy that many drivers ignore. This can cause traffic to slow down or stop completely, which could be dangerous for everyone on the road.