The basics of road etiquette

There’s more to responsible and safe driving than simply obeying the rules of the road. You’ll also need to exercise the right judgement and treat your fellow motorists with courtesy. In doing so, you’ll lower your risk of being involved in a collision, and you’ll lower your stress levels when you’re on the road, too.

Let’s run through a few basic points of on-road etiquette.

Keeping safe

The most important advice here relates to your safety and that of other motorists.

Don’t park in the keep-clear

The keep-clear markings on the road are there for a reason: stop in them, and you’ll cause a blockage. As well as being irritating, this is also a safety concern.

Keep quiet in built-up areas

If you’re driving through an unfamiliar, built-up area, you’ll need all of your concentration. Keep conversation to a minimum and turn the radio off.

Daydreaming

When you’re stuck at the lights, it can be easy to switch them off. Pay attention; you never know when your turn will arrive!

Turning in the road

Being able to competently perform key manoeuvres like turning in the road takes a bit of practice. Get yourself some learner driver insurance, and make sure that you’re well-drilled after you pass the test.

Stalling

Everyone stalls from time to time. Try not to panic or be embarrassed about it: just get the car moving again.

Speeding

You’ll want to pay attention to any red circular signs at the roadside and to know the national speed limit on various sorts of roads.

Don’t tailgate

Tailgating is the practice of driving too close to the car in front. You’ll want to leave at least two car lengths so that you have time to stop when they do.

Your mannerisms

There are other points of etiquette that don’t directly impact your safety: but they will make it easier to collaborate with other road users – which, after all, is what effective drivers do.

Use your indicators

You’re supposed to signal when driving. Get into the habit so that it’s impossible to drive without doing it.

Thank others

Occasionally, another driver will pay you a basic courtesy – like letting you go first. Thank them with a wave in the rear-view mirror, or a lift of your fingers from the wheel. Some will recommend on the other hand that you don’t do any thanking at all – but this is a minority view.

Know your lanes

On the motorway, the middle and right-hand lanes are for overtaking. Don’t stay in the middle lane – you’ll prevent other people from overtaking, and you’ll cause congestion. Or, worse, you’ll force them to undertake.

Don’t throw litter

Throwing litter from your window is despicable. Don’t do it. You could be landed with a fine.

Don’t rev your engine

Engine revving is not only obnoxious, but it’s also wasteful and environmentally damaging.