Etiquette is something that every human being needs to demonstrate in every single thing that he or she does. Driving is no exception. There are certain “rules of driving” that every driver must obey. Driving isn’t just about getting from one place to another; the truth is more complicated. It is an activity that requires responsibility, patience, concentration and knowledge of the rules of the road.
As a regular fleet driver or a long-haul trucker, you need to exercise politeness and care to make the streets safer for people around you. Here are some road etiquette rules that you need to know.
Do Not Tailgate
When you are driving, maintain a safe distance of at least a few feet from the vehicle in front of you. By doing so, you can eliminate the risk of crashing into the vehicle, should it brake suddenly. This also prevents the other vehicle from damaging your car or truck by spraying the front end of your vehicle with smoke, debris or rocks.
Yield to Pedestrians
As a driver, you should remember that, at one point in your life, you were a pedestrian too. So, even if you come across a situation where a particular pedestrian is taking advantage of the red light, yield to them. Don’t zoom past pedestrians. Instead, wave or make an eye contact to acknowledge them and let them know that you’re yielding the right-of-way.
As a responsible driver, one must not “nudge” the pedestrians in the crossway by honking repeatedly and making obnoxious gestures. Courteous driving might cost you a few minutes, but it will help you avoid accidents and dangerous situations.
Maintain the Minimum
If you don’t enjoy driving at higher speeds on the freeways, try to use business roads and frontage routes. Driving too slow on the freeways will create problems for the other drivers and can lead to potentially hazardous conditions. However, if you need to use the freeway, try maintaining the posted speed limit to keep things in order.
Use the Left Lane to Pass
In a multi-lane road, use the left lane for passing and, once you have overtaken a car or truck, return to the right lane again. This is one of the most important rules of driving on a multi-lane road. According to proper road etiquette, you shouldn’t be too impatient while trying to get around the slower vehicle.
Tone it Down
It is a polite gesture to turn your high beams off when you notice an oncoming vehicle at night. This will help you and your fellow driver see the road properly. Even though you may see better with the high beams on, those bright lights can blind the other drivers momentarily and cause accidents. Keep this simple road etiquette in mind, especially if you are a long-haul trucker driving at nighttime.
Use the Turn Signal
Turn signals are very important and yet, often forgotten. If you are changing lanes or turning your vehicle, don’t forget to use the turn signals. Signaling will help other drivers adjust their respective speeds accordingly and avoid any mishaps.
Pay attention to the road
As a professional fleet driver, don’t get distracted. It’s important to pay attention to the road, traffic, pedestrians, and follow the rules of driving strictly. Don’t let your cell phone break your concentration, as distracted driving can lead to accidents.
Take Care of Your Passengers
You need to be extra careful when you are driving with a passenger. The safety of the person sitting next to you is your responsibility and you need to make sure they arrive at their destination safely. This isn’t just a driving etiquette, it’s an essential safety practice.
Park Respectfully
When you park your car or truck, don’t park in two spots. Taking up more than your vehicle’s fair share of space is the definition of disrespectful driver behavior. This is a simple rule of driving etiquette that everyone can follow.
Overall, courteous driving will help you prevent accidents and keep the other people safe. If you are fleet manager, spread the word to the new and inexperienced drivers to make sure they follow the rules of driving properly.
