You carefully learned the rules of the road. Right of way, merging and other roadway tasks are easy in your mind. However, there are a few unwritten rules that should be known. Take a look at the top 7 common road courtesies to observe as a new driver. They should become habit with some practice.
1. Slower Drivers Stay on the Right
A rule that works for almost any roadway is slower drivers stay on the right. The right lane on either a road or freeway is typically where cars merge in and out of the pathway. It’s inherently slower because every driver must yield to the incoming traffic.
If you’re a new driver, you might be nervous about your route. Stay in the right lane so that you can pace the vehicle alongside other slower drivers. The left lane is for through traffic, which means that they’ll be going faster as a rule.
An exception to this rule is when you need to pass a car that’s too slow in the right lane. You’re welcome to use your turn signal, merge into the left lane and carefully pass the car in the right lane. Ideally, you should return to the right lane unless you want to drive with the more advanced drivers.
2. Always Leave Space
Reader Digest suggests that you should always have space between you and the car ahead of you. This rule may have been taught during driver’s education, but many people overlook its importance. Allow for at least one car between you and the person ahead of you. If you need to brake fairly rapidly, you won’t strike that car.
You can’t control the space behind the car, so it makes sense that the front end must be your priority. Tailgating or riding on other people’s bumpers isn’t just unsafe, it’s incredibly rude. For these two reasons, staying back is the best course of action.
If you notice that someone is tailgating you, try to remove yourself from the situation. An accident can easily occur behind you. Simply change lanes, and let the person drive ahead.
3. Merging Isn’t Cutting in Line
When you asked to find me a driving seat so that you could test your newfound knowledge, a big part of the exam was merging. Safely maneuvering a vehicle from one lane to the next takes some practice. You may have mastered this skill, but now apply some courtesy to it.
If you see a person trying to merge ahead of you, allow them to do so. Don’t try to cut them off as if they’re trying to cheat by getting in front of your vehicle. Everyone is simply moving along a roadway at a steady pace. There’s actually no “front of the line.” By being courteous in this manner, you make the roadway better for everyone.
4. Skip the High Beams
There are only a few rare occasions when you need to flip on your high-beam lights, reports the Inquirer.net. Your high beams are extremely bright for oncoming drivers. In fact, they can be outright blinded by the beams.
Use your high beams on open roads where there are no other drivers ahead of you. If a car comes around the corner, shut off the high beams. These lights are designed to be used in remote locations.
A mistake that many new drivers make with their high beams is using them during a fog event. It seems logical that the high beams would be necessary when visibility is low. However, the intense light simply reflects back on your car, which leads to further impaired driving. It’s better to leave the everyday headlights on in this case.
5. Get Comfortable With Turn Signals
Every car is equipped with turn signals for a reason. They’re extremely helpful as communication devices on the road. They’re not optional accessories, however. A perfect driver uses the turn signals every time that the vehicle changes direction. Use them when you’re merging and turning left or right.
The Spruce reminds everyone that the proper signal must be chosen each time. If you signal right and then turn left, you can quickly confuse the drivers around you. Accidents result in these instances.
Remember that the hazard lights are part of the turn-signal assembly. If there’s a real hazard, such as an accident, activating the hazard lights is helpful for everyone on the road.
6. Remain Calm
There’s no doubt that there will be some frustrations along the roadway. Some drivers are oblivious to the world around them. Remain calm throughout your drive. Getting upset only creates more problems. You stress out the mind and body. The driver who you’re upset with might become offended. It’s possible to end up in an accident when two drivers are upset at the same time. They ignore the rules, tailgate each other and speed up.
If you find yourself becoming frustrated, take a deep breath. You might pull safely to the side of the road to calm your mind. Avoiding confrontation is the key to a smooth ride.
7. Keep up With the Group
The textbook rule is to drive the speed limit. However, there are variations to this rule. Ideally, you should drive with the group. The speed limit may state 35MPH, but everyone is doing 30MPH. Remain with the group because there may be a hazard that you’re unaware of right now.
Driving too fast or too slow are both hazardous situations. You endanger yourself and others. Another consideration to factor in is the weather. Slippery conditions translate into slower speeds on the road. Don’t try to zip around other drivers who’re paying attention to their surroundings. Proper driving for the conditions is always the goal.
There will be mistakes on the road as a new driver. Many of your skills simply need to be refined over time. Your experience will make a difference in the long run. Being courteous will make the roadways more civilized as everyone learns these unwritten rules.
Facebook Comments