5 Tips For Better Driving Etiquette

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Let’s face it: Dallas drivers are bonkers. However, while we zip, zag, rush, and race our way around town, it’s easy to forget our neighbors in the cars next to us are just as frazzled at us as we are with them. Perhaps we all need a few reminders of safety and courtesy to keep our commutes friendly and less stressful.

First of all, the far left lane of the highway is commonly known as the fast lane or passing lane. This is not a lane for safe Susans to drive the speed limit. It’s a lane for zippy Zacks to pass the slower traffic. In many places, it is a “passing only” lane which means faster moving traffic can pass in that lane but must leave the lane to keep it clear. A good rule of thumb is to keep an eye on your rear view mirror for fast approaching cars behind you and merge to the right to clear their way.

Secondly, don’t dillydally in your car in a busy parking lot. Someone is waiting for your parking spot, and you are not only holding them up but other cars as well. It’s also a safety concern. Ladies should not linger in parking lots by themselves as they become targets for robbers.

You should always use your turn signal. Your turn signal is there for the specific reason of communicating to other drivers your intent to change direction. Drivers will not be able to anticipate you merging into their lane or slow down in time should you be turning on to another road. It’s a simple flick of a finger that can make a world of difference (but don’t forget to turn it off when you’re done).

Along with using your turn signal, if you notice a turn signal, it’s polite to let the other driver merge. By politely allowing people to merge, you could make a difference in traffic moving more smoothly. We’ve seen far too many times while sitting in traffic, a car with a blinker on waiting to merge but no one will budge. Be polite and let your neighbor go ahead.

You may have awesome taste in music, but please don’t share your music with other cars. Everyone has experienced that confusion of wondering why your car is shaking and vibrating to bass music coming from 3 cars back.

One final bonus tip, don’t text and drive. It’s now prohibited by law in school zones and some cities, but it’s a good rule everywhere. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull off to the side of the road or wait until you arrive at your destination. The life you save could be your own.

For more great driving tips and some refreshers on Texas traffic laws, CLICK HERE.