Be as Courteous While Driving as in Other Social Situations
You must use good manners if you want to get along with other drivers on the road. Just because you are cut off from other drivers by walls of steel and glass is no reason to treat them any differently than if you were to meet them at a party.
It is estimated that drivers perform small and large illegal maneuvers about 400 times before they are caught. Each one is a source of irritation, inconvenience, and danger to others. A strategy we can all benefit from is to set a good example to others when driving.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has estimated that the average driver has a couple of close calls a month and an actual collision every 6 years. Many of these close calls and collisions occur because drivers refuse to be courteous to other drivers.
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Preview Right-of-Way
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That’s a question that often arises in driving, and one that is answered by knowing and following the right-of-way rules.
Right-of-way rules, together with courtesy and common sense, help to promote traffic safety. It is important to respect the right-of-way of others, especially pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and bicycle riders. Never assume other drivers will give you the right-of-way. If necessary, wait for traffic breaks - even if you are legally-entitled to the right of way.
Preview When to Use the Right-of-Way
Use your right in a business-like fashion, as others expect you to proceed so they can also move on. But make sure that it is safe to drive forward, with no pedestrians or other vehicles in your intended path, as they have the right-of-way at intersections.
Preview When to Give Up the Right-of-Way
If a driver “jumps the line” and moves ahead of his or her turn without yielding when it is your right-of-way, don’t contest the move or let it upset you. No collision is worth the aggravation. The animation below displays when you have the right-of-way.