Unspoken Driving Manners From Lifehacker Readers

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While in drivers ed you learn about the laws and regulations of the road, there are also some unspoken driving manners that make it easier to get from A to B. These tips from Lifehacker readers can help you stay calm and polite behind the wheel.

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Rubbernecking is rude and slows traffic. Instead, pull over when you see a wreck to allow emergency vehicles to pass.

2. Give Everyone Space

We learn a lot in drivers’ ed, but there are some unspoken rules of driving etiquette that can make the road a safer and more pleasant place to be. This includes giving drivers space when necessary, slowing down when required and not blocking parking lot entrances or exits.

If a driver is merging into traffic and you can see that in your side-view mirror, slow down or move over into another lane to let them pass, says Whitmore. It’s also a good idea to avoid rushing in and out of the fast lane—it can cause chaos and confusion for everyone.

The same rule applies for bicycles on 운전연수 the road. Always give them plenty of room to merge, especially on roads without bike lanes. Don’t tailgate them either, as doing so can be very irritating and may lead to an accident if they have to slam on the brakes for any reason. Instead, try to encourage them to go around you by tapping your brakes gently and giving a hand signal. This is the same kind of courtesy that snowmobilers use to communicate their presence on narrow trails, holding up or down a number of fingers to indicate how many other snowmobiles are following them.

3. Give a Friendly Wave

One of the best pieces of driving etiquette is to thank other drivers when they let you pass, signal early, or give some other gesture that makes your life on the road easier. This is the kind of thing that may be written down in a book somewhere, but is really just common sense and basic decency.

When it’s safe to do so, a driver can extend their hand (or even a finger) and give a nod or smile to show their appreciation. This is especially nice when someone else has the right-of-way and lets you into their lane or overtakes them on a narrow road.

It isn’t safe to wave at night or in rainy conditions, however, as other drivers might not be able to see your gesture. And don’t overdo the wave either, as it can take your focus off the road. The ideal time is when the conditions are perfect and a driver gives you the green light to pass them. Then you can wave back and both of you get to your destination faster and happier.

4. Don’t Pinch Someone’s Parking 운전연수 Spot

It might have been 10, 20, or 30 years since you took your driver’s ed course, but there are still some rules of the road that you should never break. Not following these driving etiquette rules is more than just rude; it can actually put you and other drivers at risk of an accident.

For example, if the car in front of you is parking slowly, don’t speed up and try to squeeze past them during their manoeuvre. This can lead to frustration and possibly an accident, as the person behind you isn’t expecting your sudden move. It’s also polite to let someone merge into traffic if it is safe to do so. And, if someone does this for you, remember to wave and mouth the word ‘thank you’ so they know you appreciate their kindness.

Similarly, be sure not to block parking lot entrances and exits as you roll up to them. This can be annoying for drivers on foot who need to leave quickly, as well as for the people who have parked there and are trying to get out of their spot.

5. Don’t Speed

When you’re driving on a highway, you should keep your speed consistent and within the minimum allowed limit. Generally speaking, traffic flows best when drivers are moving at a similar speed. Slower drivers create a roadblock by forcing vehicles behind them to speed up or pass on the right, and they can also be ticketed for going too low of a speed on the freeway.

It’s also rude to speed up in response to a driver tailgating you. This is dangerous for everyone, especially if the driver behind you slams on their brakes for any reason.

Speeding is often a result of trying to save time, but it comes at a huge cost to your safety and the safety of others on the road. Plan your travels accordingly so that you’re not tempted to speed in order to get where you’re going on time. Leaving a few minutes early for your destination can alleviate stress and prevent you from needing to speed in the first place. The same goes for driving to work and running errands.