7 Tips On How To Be A More Courteous Driver

Being a courteous driver goes beyond adhering to traffic laws and signs. Courtesy behind the wheel extends to your actions toward yourself, your passengers, and other drivers you encounter on the road.

Inevitably, you will encounter drivers who suffer from bad cases of road rage, drivers who think they're in The Fast & The Furious, and new drivers who may not fully understand the rules of the road. Knowing how to deal with these drivers can be the difference between getting in an accident and arriving home to see your loved ones.

These 7 tips will cover examples of courtesy both inside and outside the vehicle. You should practice these tips as often as possible so they become second nature. Doing so will keep you and others safe.

Seatbelt First! 

Before you even turn the key (or push 'start' in newer vehicles), you should make a habit of first putting on your seatbelt. If you have passengers with you, don't start the vehicle until they have also put on their seatbelts.

Even if you briefly park your vehicle—for instance, if you are waiting for a passenger or checking your phone before going to your next destination—keeping your seatbelt on is safest. You never know when an accident can occur. Not every driver is careful, and someone may collide with you when you least expect it. Wearing your seatbelt will drastically lower the chances of injury.

A seatbelt may not protect you from all injuries, but it will prevent you from being ejected from the vehicle if it rolls or hits an object at a high speed, and will prevent your face from hitting the steering wheel or air bag at full force. Air bags are designed to soften the blow of an impact, not to be a substitute to seatbelts.

NEVER Drink And Drive 

This tip should go without saying. If you have been drinking, do not operate a vehicle. Legal limits (as dictated by federal governments and jurisdictions) may vary depending on where you live and what class of license you have; some jurisdictions have zero tolerance while others may have some leeway. Keep the laws in mind, but also know your limit and stay within it.

If you plan on going out to enjoy some drinks, there are a number of options you can use that will ensure you get home safe. These include:

• Taking a taxi, Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing service in your area
• Taking public transportation (as long as you are comfortable)
• Walking (if the location is nearby)
• Having a designated driver
• Staying the night (if the party is at a friend's house. Probably not a good idea at a bar.)
• Abstaining from drinking and avoiding giving in to social pressures

Focus On The Road (No Distractions) 

We've all experienced lapses in concentration behind the wheel. We may have blown through a stop sign, sped through a school or playground zone, missed a turn, had a near miss with a pedestrian or other vehicle, or caused an accident.

When we think of distracted driving, most of us think of people on their phone with their heads down and their eyes on the screen rather than the road. Mobile devices are the leading cause of distracted driving-related accidents, but there are many other distractions a driver may encounter. These include:

• Drinking or eating
• Playing with the radio dial, changing CDs or cassettes, or engaging with apps on the infotainment system
• Adjusting mirrors, seats, or other settings
• Facing other passengers in the vehicle
• Reading
• Dealing with pets (most jurisdictions can charge you for having an unrestrained animal in your vehicle. Be sure to have your pet in a kennel for their safety and yours.)
• Personal grooming
• Reading billboards, advertisements, and signs (other than road signs, which should always be read)
• Checking out other drivers looking at an accident, incident, or distraction on the side of the road (also called "rubbernecking")

Use Your Indicators 

Using your indicators is a courteous way to inform other motorists of your intentions while behind the wheel: "I'm moving over to your lane", "I plan on turning at the next intersection", or "my vehicle has broken down; that's why I'm stopped". (The first two examples are turning signals and the last example is vehicle hazard lights, also known as four-way lights).

Using your indicators gives other drivers time to react and adjust their speed to allow you to safely enter their lane, slow down if you are on the side of the road, or change lanes if your vehicle has broken down on the road and is interrupting the flow of traffic.

It's good practice to use your indicators as often as possible. In residential areas, use your turn signal three houses before you intend to turn. Don't turn your turn signal on if you aren't turning at the next intersection. Driving straight through an intersection with your turn signal on will confuse other drivers and could cause accidents.

On busier roads and highways, signal well before you intend to change lanes. If a vehicle is traveling at a higher rate of speed than you, allow them to pass before moving into their lane.

You should use your vehicle's indicators when you are:

• Changing lanes on any roadway
• Moving into or coming out of a parallel parking spot
• Turning onto another roadway
• Passing another vehicle on a two-lane highway
• Entering and leaving a roundabout
• On the shoulder or side of the road
• If your vehicle has broken down or you think it is about to break down

You should NOT use your four-way indicators if you are uncomfortable driving at high speeds on a highway. This slows the flow of traffic and can cause accidents if someone is driving at the normal rate of speed and has to change lanes to pass you.

Know The Passing Lane Rule

Often referred to as the "passing lane" or "overtake lane", the lane closest to the median of a highway is reserved for passing slower vehicles that are driving in the other lanes, away from the median. Depending on which side of the road you drive on in your country, the passing lane may be on the left or right side of the highway. 

The passing lane should only be used to pass a slower moving vehicle, and not to push the pedal to the floor and see how fast you can go. Many highways are patrolled by police officers, either on the ground or in the air, looking for speeders.

If a highway is three or more lanes wide, the passing lane rule still applies. The other lanes' rules are:

Middle lane (or lanes) – Intended for cruising or if you are travelling longer distances.

Right lane – If you plan on turning soon. This includes using an off-ramp, entering a rest area, or stopping on the side of the road.

 A Quick Note On Climbing Lanes:

Climbing lanes are lanes usually found on highways and interstates reserved for large, heavy, underpowered vehicles (like semi-trucks) to use when going up hills and inclines. They are designed to sustain traffic flow in other lanes and avoid backups.

These lanes become downhill lanes when descending a hill or incline. The same rules apply.

Don't Be A Constant Lane Changer 

Some drivers like to change lanes frequently in hopes of reaching their destination sooner. While they may make it to the next red light a few seconds before you do, what most of these lane changers fail to realize is that they're consuming more fuel, shortening the lifespan of their brakes, and putting multiple lives in danger.

Frequent lane changers are usually in a rush and don't take adequate time to check their mirrors or blind spots, either relying on other drivers to move out of their way, or on their own vehicle's built-in blind-spot sensors.

We aren't saying to never change lanes, but it's safer, and easier on your vehicle, to stay in one lane as long as you can. If you are taking an off-ramp, get into the right-hand lane at least one exit before the exit you intend to take. This reduces your chances of missing your exit or having to dart across multiple lanes at the last second.

Proper lane-changing etiquette is as follows:

• Check your mirrors (rear and side-view)
• Shoulder check (turning your head at least 90 degrees towards the lane you want to enter)
• Signal
• Move into the new lane when it's clear

Exercise Patience Behind The Wheel 

Along with distracted driving, aggressive driving is one of the leading causes of vehicular accidents. If you are in a rush to get somewhere, you may speed, tailgate slower drivers, ignore traffic signs and signals, and/or not come to a complete stop at stop signs.

Exercising patience while behind the wheel will reduce your chances of causing an accident or having an altercation with another driver. Road rage incidents are on the rise, so it's best to keep your cool and be a defensive driver.

Here is a list of tips on how to be more patient behind the wheel:

• Give yourself more time to get to your destination. Factor in weather conditions and traffic, and use your GPS to check the estimated time to reach your destination.

• Ensure your vehicle is in working condition. If your vehicle requires repair, take it to a reputable mechanic immediately to avoid further damage and repair costs.

• Avoid driving if you are tired, hungry, or sick. Your level of concentration will be hindered.

• Give other drivers the benefit of the doubt if they irritate or frustrate you. They may be dealing with high levels of stress or frustration. Perhaps they are rushing to the hospital or they just lost their job. It's best to just let it go.

• Remind yourself your aggression or impatience won't make traffic move any quicker.

Take frequent rests if you are driving for long distances. Do some simple stretches, get something to eat or drink, or walk around for a few minutes.

Summary

Practicing good courtesy while driving will reduce your chances of getting in an accident or receiving a traffic ticket, and will increase the lifespan of your vehicle. Having a clean driving sheet will also lower your insurance rate, keeping more money in your pocket.

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