Driving on the streets and on the highways has become unbelievably hazardous. The aggressiveness, rudeness and offensiveness are at levels beyond description. So I thought a polite reminder of road rules and etiquette would be nice to remind people that we are living together and therefore owe that to each other that we drive with regard for others’ welfare and well being. Not everybody is and wants to be a driver for the Molson Indy and some of us would like to drive the speed limit without being shown the finger or get angered looks.
The police are not always there to maintain order. You are driving because you have a license and that means that you had to learn the rules and are mature enough to follow them (although sometimes, I really doubt that).
The difference between a developing country and a developed country is order; the order of life, laws, rules and structure. Driving also, falls under this. I urge, let us maintain the order and structure that we have.
In the absence of law enforcement, these are 25 (not all) of the most important driving etiquette points that I feel one should be reminded of:
1) Be Polite. It makes you a better person.
2) Wear your seat belt before the car moves forward.
3) If something falls, or you are looking for something in the car or looking at a map, please pull
up to the side of the road.
4) Do not use a cell phone, apply make up, drink, do things that should be done in your bedroom or eat spaghetti, soup or melons while driving. Stop some where and/or rent a room (if you can’t wait).
5) Be Polite. It will spread like a plague.
6) Signal before turning or changing lanes. It is the lever on the side of the steering wheel. Use
it and help the other drivers know your intention of turning or changing lanes. And just because you have shown a signal, it does not give you the right to turn, wait to be let in. The other driver may not have seen you.
7) When someone wants to change the lane and signals, let them.
8) When you are accorded courtesy, say “Thank you”. Wave, smile, flash your lights. BePolite.
9) Nobody will think less of you.
10) Don’t tailgate (driving too close to the car in front of you).
11) Drive the speed limit. If you are late then you are late. Better late than dead.
12) The left lane is for passing.
13) The right lane is for slower traffic
14) Be Polite. Your children will learn from you.
15) When exiting the highway, if there is a line up, join it and wait in line with the others. Don’t
go in front of the line and butt in. It only increases the anger and hatred and aggression.
16) Become intuitive with recognizing other drivers' needs: if they need to turn, exit or change
lanes or even want to drive faster than you, let them. It doesn’t make you any less of a
human being. It makes you a better person to do what is right.
17) Do at least one thing nice on the road everyday. One good turn will create several.
18) Be Polite. It generates feelings of peace and love.
19) If you see someone in trouble, contact the authorities for them.
20) If you like your middle finger so much, dip it in jam and suck on it. Do not wave it about.
21) If you have excess aggression, take up competitive sport. I hear Boxing or Tae-Kwondo
helps.
22) Be Polite. Didn’t your mother teach you to mind your manners?
23) If the sign says, “lane ending, or “merge” move to the other lane in advance. Do not speed up and butt in without indicating. Signal……., someone will let you in.
24) A red light means STOP. A yellow or amber light means, slow down and get ready to stop,
especially if there is on-coming traffic waiting to make left turns. By speeding and continuing
driving, you are delaying everybody else. Wait a little. Stop, take a breath, admire the good
things, and think good thoughts while you are waiting. It will make you a better, happier and a
calmer person.
24) Always BE POLITE.
25) Remember, your children learn from you. Make them better future drivers by example,
being a better driver yourself.
Thank you for your co-operation, consideration and kindness.
I have no idea if the letter was ever printed in the Newspaper. It doesn’t make a difference because the driving is on the streets is worse. Sometimes, it seems like nobody really cares.
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