Driving Etiquette Discussion
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Mach 1 Member
Joined: July 28, 2006
Posts: 971
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Driving Etiquette Discussion
I want to open up a driving etiquette discussion. 
Template:
1. Flash to pass.
2. Turn signal to pass.
3. Use of the horn.
4. Passing in the slow lane.
5. Passing on the right.
6. Following distance.
7. Acceleration entrance ramp.
8. Left lane hogs.
9. Washer fluid payback.
10. Road Rage.
11. How do you indicate being sorry.
Observations:
1. Flash to pass.
On a two-lane highway, when I approach a vehicle driving slower, and I want to pass, I flash the highbeams once, turn on my left turn signal, pull into the oncoming lane, leave the left turn signal on, accelerate past the vehicle two car lengths, turn on the right turn signal, and pull back into the forward lane.
On a divided highway, when I approach a vehicle driving slower in the left lane, and I want to pass, I flash the highbeams once and turn on my left turn signal. I allow ample time for the other vehicle to pull into the right lane. Accelerate past the vehicle two car lengths, turn on the right turn signal, and pull back into the right lane.
If someone behind me wants to pass me while in the left lane, when a car is to my right, I immediately turn on my right turn signal, accelerate past the vehicle beside me, move right.
Is this proper etiquette? Do people find this is too aggressive? How do YOU let people know you want to pass? Do you feel that you can drive in the left lane slower than other traffic and cause them to go around you?
If the car in the left lane will not move right, then I flash again and turn on my right turn signal, and pass in the right lane.
2. Turn signal to pass.
I use my left turn signal to signal I am wanting to pass, please "Keep right except to pass."
Do most people know this? Ignore this?
3. Use of the horn.
Goto Paris, France or Mexico City, Mexico and you will find people using horns frequently.
I find that some people are upset and take it personally when you honk at them. I find other people ignore your honking horn. I find that some people when you honk to alert them to a dangerous lane change, that they give you the stupid look and continue merging into another vehicles' lane, nearly missing a bumper.
What is horn etiquette? When should you use it and feel good even when other get upset?
4. Passing in the slow lane.
On a divided highway, I feel that it is taking a risk passing someone by moving to their right. But I also find that tailgating the vehicle in the left lane is even more dangerous.
Do you hog the left lane? How do you handle slow moving traffic in the left lane?
5. Passing on the right.
On a two lane highway, that has wide shoulder, a "Super 2" as the road contruction crews call it, when do you use the right shoulder to pass?
When the vehicle is stopped in the roadway making a left turn? When the vehicle puts on the turn signal? Anytime the the passing lane is full and the right shoulder is empty?
6. Following distance.
I have noticed varying distances for following a car. Scenario 1: I want to follow a vehicle that is traveling a near identical speed. I try to leave 4 car lengths in light traffic and 3 car lengths in heavy traffic. Scenario 2: Divided highway, Heavy traffic, left lane following several vehicles. I typically leave ample braking distance to the next vehicle. Except when people start passing in the right lane and trying to squeeze into the left lane's, then I close up the gap, not allowing people in the right lane to pass and merge in front of my vehicle.
Do you have to let people in that are attempting to merge in front of you in a long line of traffic, or should people be satisfied with joining in the line behind you?
7. Acceleration entrance ramp.
I always anticipate people merging onto an interstate. So I move left to safely let people on the highway, 10 car lengths before the ramp anticipating the new traffic.
Do people move over or slow down for entering traffic anymore?
On an entrance ramp, I always signal, accelerate and move over only one lane upon entrance to an interstate.
8. Left lane hogs.
What do you do to them? Nothing? Honk as you pass? Cut in front of them?
9. Washer fluid payback.
Some people release washer fluid a payback to other drivers. What do you do when someone does this to you innocently? Do you pass them and spray them back?
What is your take on this?
10. Road Rage.
What activity describes it to you? Is aggressive passing? Is flashing highbeams to pass? Is speeding? Is squeeling tires on entrance ramps? Is honking?
11. How do you indicate being sorry?
You just cut someone off, and you want to say you are sorry. How do you apologize to a driver? I used to turn on my hazards for 10 secs. Sometimes I have given them the hang ten hand wave. Still other times the V for peace or is that for victory?
What would be a good sign / hand signal?
Template:
1. Flash to pass.
2. Turn signal to pass.
3. Use of the horn.
4. Passing in the slow lane.
5. Passing on the right.
6. Following distance.
7. Acceleration entrance ramp.
8. Left lane hogs.
9. Washer fluid payback.
10. Road Rage.
11. How do you indicate being sorry.
Observations:
1. Flash to pass.
On a two-lane highway, when I approach a vehicle driving slower, and I want to pass, I flash the highbeams once, turn on my left turn signal, pull into the oncoming lane, leave the left turn signal on, accelerate past the vehicle two car lengths, turn on the right turn signal, and pull back into the forward lane.
On a divided highway, when I approach a vehicle driving slower in the left lane, and I want to pass, I flash the highbeams once and turn on my left turn signal. I allow ample time for the other vehicle to pull into the right lane. Accelerate past the vehicle two car lengths, turn on the right turn signal, and pull back into the right lane.
If someone behind me wants to pass me while in the left lane, when a car is to my right, I immediately turn on my right turn signal, accelerate past the vehicle beside me, move right.
Is this proper etiquette? Do people find this is too aggressive? How do YOU let people know you want to pass? Do you feel that you can drive in the left lane slower than other traffic and cause them to go around you?
If the car in the left lane will not move right, then I flash again and turn on my right turn signal, and pass in the right lane.
2. Turn signal to pass.
I use my left turn signal to signal I am wanting to pass, please "Keep right except to pass."
Do most people know this? Ignore this?
3. Use of the horn.
Goto Paris, France or Mexico City, Mexico and you will find people using horns frequently.
I find that some people are upset and take it personally when you honk at them. I find other people ignore your honking horn. I find that some people when you honk to alert them to a dangerous lane change, that they give you the stupid look and continue merging into another vehicles' lane, nearly missing a bumper.
What is horn etiquette? When should you use it and feel good even when other get upset?
4. Passing in the slow lane.
On a divided highway, I feel that it is taking a risk passing someone by moving to their right. But I also find that tailgating the vehicle in the left lane is even more dangerous.
Do you hog the left lane? How do you handle slow moving traffic in the left lane?
5. Passing on the right.
On a two lane highway, that has wide shoulder, a "Super 2" as the road contruction crews call it, when do you use the right shoulder to pass?
When the vehicle is stopped in the roadway making a left turn? When the vehicle puts on the turn signal? Anytime the the passing lane is full and the right shoulder is empty?
6. Following distance.
I have noticed varying distances for following a car. Scenario 1: I want to follow a vehicle that is traveling a near identical speed. I try to leave 4 car lengths in light traffic and 3 car lengths in heavy traffic. Scenario 2: Divided highway, Heavy traffic, left lane following several vehicles. I typically leave ample braking distance to the next vehicle. Except when people start passing in the right lane and trying to squeeze into the left lane's, then I close up the gap, not allowing people in the right lane to pass and merge in front of my vehicle.
Do you have to let people in that are attempting to merge in front of you in a long line of traffic, or should people be satisfied with joining in the line behind you?
7. Acceleration entrance ramp.
I always anticipate people merging onto an interstate. So I move left to safely let people on the highway, 10 car lengths before the ramp anticipating the new traffic.
Do people move over or slow down for entering traffic anymore?
On an entrance ramp, I always signal, accelerate and move over only one lane upon entrance to an interstate.
8. Left lane hogs.
What do you do to them? Nothing? Honk as you pass? Cut in front of them?
9. Washer fluid payback.
Some people release washer fluid a payback to other drivers. What do you do when someone does this to you innocently? Do you pass them and spray them back?
What is your take on this?
10. Road Rage.
What activity describes it to you? Is aggressive passing? Is flashing highbeams to pass? Is speeding? Is squeeling tires on entrance ramps? Is honking?
11. How do you indicate being sorry?
You just cut someone off, and you want to say you are sorry. How do you apologize to a driver? I used to turn on my hazards for 10 secs. Sometimes I have given them the hang ten hand wave. Still other times the V for peace or is that for victory?
What would be a good sign / hand signal?
Tasca Super Boss 429 Member
Joined: January 4, 2006
Posts: 3,904
Likes: 32
1=ok
2-ok, but no one is looking at your turn signal and most don't know driving etiquette
3- they take it personally because they are too stupid to know they are idiots
4-ok
5- slow down as much as possible before passing a turner
6- good luck
7- move over, but there isn't always room
8- honk as you pass, a finger if they are way under speed limit
9- If they are idiots, yes. Little old ladies, no
10- Anything that is a danger to other drivers,like the guy who cut in front of me today and changed 4 lanes to reach an exit ramp 3/4 of a mile ahead.
11- turning on hazards indicates something is wrong with the car. I guess that is a way to beg forgiveness.
2-ok, but no one is looking at your turn signal and most don't know driving etiquette
3- they take it personally because they are too stupid to know they are idiots
4-ok
5- slow down as much as possible before passing a turner
6- good luck
7- move over, but there isn't always room
8- honk as you pass, a finger if they are way under speed limit
9- If they are idiots, yes. Little old ladies, no
10- Anything that is a danger to other drivers,like the guy who cut in front of me today and changed 4 lanes to reach an exit ramp 3/4 of a mile ahead.
11- turning on hazards indicates something is wrong with the car. I guess that is a way to beg forgiveness.
FR500 Member
Joined: August 15, 2005
Posts: 3,084
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu
1. IMO, flashing high beams seems rude, but would leave them on when in the oncoming lane as a "heads-up" to the driver in said lane. Also interested in to knowing the "proper" way to nicely indicate the desire to pass. Anyone from Europe (or Germany) know - since they treat driving as a whole more seriously? If someone behind me wants to pass, I signal right and try to find the nearest opening or do what The Reverend does in that situation. If the car won't move, then pass on the right.
2. I think most people are ignorant of that or choose to be.
3. I'll use horn only if driver is holding up traffic and others behind start honking. Also in cases where a collision with me may occur. Sometimes honk and a wave to indicate thanks. To use it to express anger such as long blasts could bring you a world of hurt nowadays. Personally rather use the finger if someone insists on being stupid out on the road (I also remember the license plate if necessary for "future reference" if need be...)
4. Agree, but sometimes it must be done if only to save myself some aggravation. See #2 for the cause.
5. Sit and wait unless passing on the shoulder is allowed. But if you trust your luck, go for it. As far as I know, the shoulder lanes are not supposed to be used for passing at all and have seen the tickets to prove it.
6. Normally keep a 3 -4 car length distance if pacing another vehicle. While I think people trying to merge into a long line by passing on the right are a bunch of a$$#*!e$, and should wait like everyone else, usually let them in. I don't know how it is in other places, but generally in HI, we go "1 and 1" (my own term) - let one car in front, one in back, merge in heavy traffic or when 2 lanes merge into 1. "Give aloha", if you will. I will block if I feel they are being pushy or trying to force their way in - another good reason to drive a beater!
7. Just move over when possible, it is easier. Normally wouldn't slow down unless forced to (but I don't drive that fast in that lane anyway).
8. Left lane hogs cause a lot of problems, see #2,#4, and #10. Sometimes I will cut in front of them after passing on the right. I know it's rude, but sad to say, I've seen it get the message across.
9. Not sure what this is exactly, but wouldn't make a big deal out of it if it means they splash your car with the windshield washer on purpose. There are worse things that could happen.
10. My take on road rage is when a driver lets emotions influence actions during the act of driving a vehicle, endangering themselves and others. Normally manifested as driving in an aggressive manner. Can also include loud cursing, shouting, even an invitation to a fight by the side of the road or at the next traffic light. (I've seen it happen - glad it wasn't me!)
11. Hopefully a wave or a "shaka" sign is enough. I also use them to indicate thanks when merging into heavy traffic.
IMO, maintaining 360 degree awareness of the traffic around you at all times and taking appropriate action is what I consider good driving etiquette - since it helps prevent most of the situations listed above from occurring in the first place.
2. I think most people are ignorant of that or choose to be.
3. I'll use horn only if driver is holding up traffic and others behind start honking. Also in cases where a collision with me may occur. Sometimes honk and a wave to indicate thanks. To use it to express anger such as long blasts could bring you a world of hurt nowadays. Personally rather use the finger if someone insists on being stupid out on the road (I also remember the license plate if necessary for "future reference" if need be...)
4. Agree, but sometimes it must be done if only to save myself some aggravation. See #2 for the cause.
5. Sit and wait unless passing on the shoulder is allowed. But if you trust your luck, go for it. As far as I know, the shoulder lanes are not supposed to be used for passing at all and have seen the tickets to prove it.
6. Normally keep a 3 -4 car length distance if pacing another vehicle. While I think people trying to merge into a long line by passing on the right are a bunch of a$$#*!e$, and should wait like everyone else, usually let them in. I don't know how it is in other places, but generally in HI, we go "1 and 1" (my own term) - let one car in front, one in back, merge in heavy traffic or when 2 lanes merge into 1. "Give aloha", if you will. I will block if I feel they are being pushy or trying to force their way in - another good reason to drive a beater!
7. Just move over when possible, it is easier. Normally wouldn't slow down unless forced to (but I don't drive that fast in that lane anyway).
8. Left lane hogs cause a lot of problems, see #2,#4, and #10. Sometimes I will cut in front of them after passing on the right. I know it's rude, but sad to say, I've seen it get the message across.
9. Not sure what this is exactly, but wouldn't make a big deal out of it if it means they splash your car with the windshield washer on purpose. There are worse things that could happen.
10. My take on road rage is when a driver lets emotions influence actions during the act of driving a vehicle, endangering themselves and others. Normally manifested as driving in an aggressive manner. Can also include loud cursing, shouting, even an invitation to a fight by the side of the road or at the next traffic light. (I've seen it happen - glad it wasn't me!)
11. Hopefully a wave or a "shaka" sign is enough. I also use them to indicate thanks when merging into heavy traffic.
IMO, maintaining 360 degree awareness of the traffic around you at all times and taking appropriate action is what I consider good driving etiquette - since it helps prevent most of the situations listed above from occurring in the first place.
Cobra Member
Joined: April 7, 2005
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 0
From: Holland
It might be both interesting and useless for me to post what I do, considering the fact that I'm in Europe. Most of the following applies to the majority of EU drivers.
1. "Flash to pass" is generally frowned upon; flashing the high beams at the car in front usually means "move over".
2. It's the law. Bad thing to forget, from being a reason to fail the driving license exam to getting fined if seen by the police.
3. Illegal unless in case of emergency, yet liberally used in southern Europe as a way to signal your presence to the other drivers.
4. ILLEGAL!
5. Same as 4.
6. "Bumper riding" can get you a pretty hefty fine. Some countries (like Belgium) have special painted marks on higways which have to be used in case of low visibility (fog, heavy rain, etc.).
7. People usually let incoming cars merge into traffic and moving over is very common. Merging cars accelerate to the speed of the traffic in the first lane.
8. Usually I signal left. It doesn't happen often, though. I never overtake them on the right.
9. If they do it on purpose, I wish them certain things
If it happens by accident, even after I've washed my car, I simply let it go.
10. My definition of road rage includes cutting in front of other cars, "bumper riding", braking hard in front of a "bumper rider", flipping the bird, actual violence, etc. I don't do any of those, I'm too patient with idiots.
11. "Sorry" is usually indicated by waving. Flashing the hazzards means "thank you" over here.
1. "Flash to pass" is generally frowned upon; flashing the high beams at the car in front usually means "move over".
2. It's the law. Bad thing to forget, from being a reason to fail the driving license exam to getting fined if seen by the police.
3. Illegal unless in case of emergency, yet liberally used in southern Europe as a way to signal your presence to the other drivers.
4. ILLEGAL!
5. Same as 4.
6. "Bumper riding" can get you a pretty hefty fine. Some countries (like Belgium) have special painted marks on higways which have to be used in case of low visibility (fog, heavy rain, etc.).
7. People usually let incoming cars merge into traffic and moving over is very common. Merging cars accelerate to the speed of the traffic in the first lane.
8. Usually I signal left. It doesn't happen often, though. I never overtake them on the right.
9. If they do it on purpose, I wish them certain things
If it happens by accident, even after I've washed my car, I simply let it go.10. My definition of road rage includes cutting in front of other cars, "bumper riding", braking hard in front of a "bumper rider", flipping the bird, actual violence, etc. I don't do any of those, I'm too patient with idiots.
11. "Sorry" is usually indicated by waving. Flashing the hazzards means "thank you" over here.
Cobra Member
Joined: April 7, 2005
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 0
From: Holland
Also interested in to knowing the "proper" way to nicely indicate the desire to pass. Anyone from Europe (or Germany) know - since they treat driving as a whole more seriously?
If someone behind me wants to pass, I signal right and try to find the nearest opening
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