Common Sense Rules of the Road – Part I

August 26, 2014

Courtesy on the road not only makes sense, but it can save a life. There are countless written and unwritten rules of the road, and following these rules can be the difference between a pleasant trip and a frustrating one. Let’s review just a few of them:

If you’re passing a truck, the driver might flash his lights. This is to let you know that you have enough room to safely go ahead of him. If a truck passes you, do the same.

A driver coming from the opposite direction might flash his lights to warn you that there is a police car ahead.

Attempting to pass on the right side of the road can be scary. You can’t be sure that the driver in the left lane isn’t going to suddenly swerve into the right lane – an accident waiting to happen. Pass on the left, returning to the right lane as soon as possible.

Never accept a challenge to a road race, even if you think you’ll win.

Even though your car is the prettiest one in the lot, only use one parking space. If you’re concerned about protecting your vehicle, try parking at the outskirts of the lot.

Avoid blocking the left lane. Return to the right lane as soon as you’ve passed a car.

Don’t jump in line when merging into traffic. Once in line, make sure to open a space for another car to get in line. By alternating cars into the road, traffic should move with ease and without frustration.

Be careful to park within the lines in the parking lot.

When parking next to another car, be sure to give the other car enough room to open the door.

When approaching a car from the opposite direction, lower your high beams so you don’t blind the other driver.

Exercise caution when passing a motorcycle – be sure to give the motorcyclist enough room.

It’s okay to stop and offer assistance to someone stranded on the road, but use common sense. If you’re traveling alone, offer to make a call for help but remain in your car. Even better, just make a call to the police and notify them of the disabled car.

If you ever need to get out of your car, stay as far away from the road as you can to avoid an accident.

Before stopping to help a stranded driver, assess the risk and use your best judgment. Is it an elderly man? A mother with children? How vulnerable are you?

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