Roadway Etiquette and Safety
Some days roadway etiquette seems like a thing of the past. Drivers not only fail to follow the rules of the road but also allow themselves to sink into road rage. Aggressive driving has increased in the past few years, and more accidents are caused by this behavior. It might be that most people have such a hectic schedule, trying to combine personal lives and career activities into a day that always seems too short. Nonetheless, when a driver is polite and lets you pull out of your parking space, you feel a sense of gratitude. Perhaps, it might be possible to instill roadway etiquette into our everyday driving.
Roadway Etiquette You Need to Have
Much of the roadway etiquette that we need to follow every day will also prevent car accidents and keep us on the good side of the law.
- Maintain the speed limit: It is important to maintain a safe speed limit. Aside from driving in bad weather when reducing speed is wise, going too slow can be as much of a hazard as traveling too fast.
- Don’t drink and drive: Over 10,000 people die each year due to drunk drivers. By not drinking, you are keeping yourself and others that share the road with you safe.
- Wear a seat belt: This may not have an impact on other drivers, but it is important for your safety and your family’s well being. No one is in that much of a hurry that they can’t take the time to buckle up.
- Don’t drive distracted: Avoiding distracted driving is about as important of an act of roadway etiquette as not drinking. Each year more drivers are seriously injured or killed by a distracted driver. Don’t eat, fiddle with the radio, search for something on the seat next to you or daydream while driving.
- Don’t text: Texting while driving is a high-level form of distracted driving. Every day, about 1.6 million crashes happen, and 390,000 people are injured because of cell phone use while driving. Turn your phone off, and communicate when you reach your destination.
- Eliminate horn use unless it is necessary: Too many people use their horns for reasons that are not necessary such as saying hello to expressing anger. Use your horn when you have to for self-defense. That is why it’s there. Overuse of the horn also fans the rage of aggressive drivers.
- Use your turn signals: It is important to warn other drivers before you move out of your lane. In California, traffic regulations strongly suggest that you use a turn signal 100 feet before you turn or change lanes.
- Give pedestrians room: Car drivers must stop for pedestrians, particularly at crosswalks. Since pedestrians have little protection, they are fragile when hit by a motor vehicle. It is important to take a moment to look for pedestrians entering a crosswalk and being cognizant of walkers when making a right turn. A little courtesy goes a long way in saving pedestrian lives.
Stop Sign Etiquette
Stop signs, particularly at intersections, can be dangerous due to lack of regard for roadway etiquette. Stopping is mandatory, although just about every driver has seen someone breezing through a stop sign without as much as a sideways glance. Many drivers forget what to do, especially at four-way stops. Let’s review a few scenarios:
- It is important to start slowing down before you reach the stop sign.
- Make a complete stop, and look both ways before proceeding.
- Don’t start to move until you have ample time before another vehicle reaches you.
- Cars that are going straight have the right-of-way.
- When there is heavy traffic flow, some drivers will allow you to proceed ahead of them. Acknowledging their generosity is courteous.
- Four-way stops are often confusing. All drivers must come to a complete stop. Generally, the first one to arrive has the right-of-way. However, it is always best to be cautious since not everyone obeys the rules. If they don’t, just let it go.
- When two vehicles arrive at an intersection at precisely the same time, the vehicle on the right goes first. If all four vehicles arrive simultaneously, then work in a counterclockwise direction with each vehicle taking their turn.
Novato CA Motor Vehicle Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Novato motor vehicle accident and personal injury lawyer. When you are driving, it is important to obey the rules of the road. However, not all drivers do this, and accidents happen every day. If you are injured in an accident, the legal insight an experienced injury lawyer can provide is helpful. Call me at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400 for free and friendly advice. If it is easier for you, use my online contact form instead.
Over the past 36 years, I’ve helped many residents of Novato and others in Northern California obtain fair compensation they need in all types of car accidents and traumatic brain injuries among others.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Advocates. We are a nationwide group of trial lawyers who have won more than $1 million for a client.
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