There are plenty of laws to follow when driving, and for good reason. Without them, the roads would be chaos.
However, part of making a commute pleasant for both you and the drivers around you comes from following the unwritten rules that exist off the books. Here are five unwritten rules of the road.
The ‘thank-you wave’
When someone lets you change lanes in front of them in busy traffic or waves you through a four-way intersection, it’s polite to hold your hand up in a gesture of thanks. Not only is it good manners, but waving could help fight the negative effects commuting has on people's health, as reported in BMC Public Health journal.
“The results of this study are in concordance with the findings of previous studies linking commuting to sleep disturbance, everyday stress, exhaustion, low self-rated health and sickness absence,” the report said.
With so much on the line, lifting someone’s spirit with a simple wave will help you follow this unwritten rule and contribute to well-being.
Flash lights for safety
More than once, you’ve likely started driving while it’s light out and ended your journey in the dark. In those cases, it’s common to forget to turn your headlights on in the middle of your route. That’s why it’s helpful when fellow drivers on the road flash their headlights to indicate you need to turn on your lights. You can do the same, next time you notice a car without lights driving in the dark.
Fun fact: In many cultures outside the United States (and even some within), flashing lights is a way to say thank you, replacing the wave as an acceptable custom.
Accelerate onto the freeway
When leaving the city and merging onto a freeway, you should use the on-ramp to accelerate to the speed of traffic on the road. By the time you hit the freeway, your car will be driving the speed limit, not slowing down anyone who comes up behind.
Do not expect the cars already on the freeway to slow down and let you in. Instead, if you’re going fast enough (and have your turn signal on), you should be able to look for a gap and smoothly merge in.
As a bonus, some drivers even claim accelerating on the on-ramp, as opposed to revving up to speed once hitting the freeway, improves the gas mileage on their cars.
Don’t steal parking spaces
You’re probably familiar with the frustration that comes from searching for a parking space in a full lot, and the glee that fills your heart when you see a parked vehicle back out to leave. You’re probably also familiar with the disappointment of pulling up to the spot, only to see another car waiting for it.
Depending on which direction the exiting vehicle goes, you could snag the spot from the waiting car — but don’t! The unwritten rule about parking spaces is the open spot goes to the car that’s been waiting, with its turn signal on.
Maintain your car
A poorly functioning vehicle is a hassle to everyone, including you. If your tire explodes on the road, you endanger yourself and the drivers nearby. Follow this unwritten rule by taking your car to a mechanic for routine maintenance as well as necessary repairs.
Next time your car needs service, try Jensen Tire & Auto, a family-owned business committed to serving the community with the best tires, superior auto service, competitive prices and convenient locations. For more information, visit online at jensentireandauto.com or in person at one of the many local stores.
