Five Ways to Be Good on the Road

Observing good manners in driving is an integral part of car safety on the road. Small things like thanking another driver for giving way or returning the favor to others can go a long way in making the road conditions favorable. We’re all taught good manners and right conduct way back in school, but it seems that some of us may have forgotten their manners at home when they drive – if they even had them in the first place. For a refresher, here are some good driving manners that every driver should practice

1. Saying thank you when another car gives way.

This basic response to a good deed has been ingrained into us since we were young. It’s only natural to show gratitude when another driver shows kindness, like doing a hand gesture, mouthing thank you, or flashing your lights.

2. Being considerate to others.

Not only to your occupants but being considerate to the people outside your car can contribute to a great environment for driving. One of the most inconvenient things that some drivers do is stopping at the pedestrian lane during the red light. 

Another polite thing to do is giving a signal when you change lanes. It also enhances road safety since it warns other drivers of your intention, thus avoiding accidents like collisions.

3. Don’t be reckless.

Recklessness has its price. The highest? A life. Lives even. Stop being reckless!

For example, ignoring the speed limits imposed in an area is a definite way to be on the other side of the law. There are reasons why laws are created in the first place, and one of the reasons why speed limits are imposed is because it makes the road safer by reducing potential disasters due to speeding.

Slow down! Most of all, don’t initiate a race. All it takes is a rev of an engine to challenge other drivers in the area. No matter how confident you are in your driving skills, it isn’t an excuse to risk the safety of everyone around you. You’re not the only one who will be inconvenienced should an accident happen. Stop being selfish!

4. Avoid being aggressive. Don’t succumb to road rage.

Aggressiveness leads to recklessness, and recklessness leads to disaster. According to statistics, road rage and other vicious behaviors are some of the leading causes of accidents on the road. Behaviors like cursing, excessive honking, speeding, and provoking can potentially trigger aggressive behaviors from other drivers, so it’s better to avoid doing all of that altogether. Nip it in the bud, as they say.  

If you’re having a bit of a temper, remember to take deep breaths to calm yourself. Avoid overly aggressive behaviors like provoking others and instigating an argument. Specifically, don’t step out in the middle of the road to argue with another driver. If you must address an issue, take it on the side of the road and talk with the person involved in a calm manner. In cases of collision, since you cannot move your car for evidence, talk with the other party politely and peacefully. There’s no need for harsh words.

Also, don’t use your horn as a means to express your anger. Your car’s horn primarily functions as a warning to others. Basically, it’s a safety device. It’s not meant to inconvenience others.

5. Park appropriately.

There are a lot of ways that you can be a good driver when you’re in the parking lot. First, park appropriately. Don’t park in a space that’s already clearly reserved for someone else! It’s reserved for a reason. Also, don’t take up space that’s more than what your car needs. Second, don’t park and block the way for the PWD. Third, don’t steal a parking space if someone is already waiting for it! It’s rude and disrespectful. And fourth, avoid fighting over a parking space as it might escalate to a more serious situation!

Final word: Always be kind when driving.

Being kind to others does not cost a single peso. Always be polite when dealing with other drivers. Remember, these are strangers, so you’ll never know how they’ll react to your behavior. People tend to mirror each other, so if you approach an issue with a temper, chances are your opposition will also be aggressive. Be kind and you’ll also get kindness in return.