Driving etiquette
Driving etiquette refers to the unwritten or unspoken rules that drivers follow. The term dates back to the early 1900s and the use of horse-drawn carriages. Driving etiquette typically involves being courteous and staying alert, which varies by vehicle, situation and location. Failure to adhere to this behavior can cause an increased risk of legal consequences, road collisions, trauma and road rage.
Driving etiquette can extend beyond in-vehicle actions: When a courteous driver scrapes the fender or inflicts minor damage to a parked car without its owner present, they leave a note giving their name, telephone number, and the name of their insurance company. If the owner is present, the courteous driver exchanges insurance information politely and contacts the proper authorities. Breaches in driving etiquette can often be addressed cordially with a simple and immediate expression of apology. Its guiding principle is "one good turn deserves another", and is considered a vital part of responsible driving.
Speeding and aggressive driving, examples of poor driving etiquette, have been cited as negative factors related to rural highways. Drivers need driving etiquette education to lower the risk of causing accidents.
Examples of poor driving etiquette
The following acts are commonly cited as examples of poor driving etiquette.;"Nudging" pedestrians
;Elongated/excessive honking
;Tailgating
;Double parking
;Driving in busy areas with high beams on
;Refusing to yield right-of-way to other vehicles
;Driving with loud, distracting music
;Driving a vehicle with snow and ice covering it
;Changing lanes and turning without use of signals
;Cutting off other motorists
;Driving below the speed of traffic in center or passing lanes
;Distracted driving