Are you a frequent victim of the anger of other motorists? Is your vehicle frequently tailed, in the headlights, and honked? One of the things to remember when driving is to be aware of your intent and purpose at all times. This can be difficult, especially since you can't speak directly to other riders, but there are a few things you can do. Tell other drivers what you are going to do.
Step
Step 1. Drive consistently
Don't suddenly speed up or slow down for no apparent reason, don't turn too fast and then go too slow. Driving consistently, whether aggressive or not, is the best way to allow other drivers to predict your next action. Therefore, drive consistently in the traffic around you. If you are not consistent, you will endanger the safety of those around you and may also get a ticket.
Understand that all will work best if the traffic flows naturally, balanced and predictably. This is one of the important concepts not to irritate other riders
Step 2. Don't block traffic
For example, if you are driving on the expressway with a speed limit of 80 km/h, and most vehicles are traveling at 100 km/h, do not block other vehicles by driving in the far right lane at 80 km/h. Increase the speed of your vehicle to be as fast as other vehicles or move to the left lane.
Be careful that if you speed like any other vehicle, you run the risk of a ticket and the police won't accept the excuse that you're just “following the other cars,” especially if you're in the lead. However, that doesn't mean you have to put your own safety in jeopardy by blocking others and causing a collision. In general, make sure the vehicle speed is within or near the applicable speed limit, unless there are some circumstances requiring all drivers to reduce speed
Step 3. When you need to go slower than other vehicles (when looking for an address or the vehicle is in trouble), use the emergency light
However, remember that turning on the emergency light while the vehicle is moving is unsafe and is not allowed in some places. If it is difficult to overtake and eventually obstructs traffic, pull over from time to time to allow other vehicles to overtake. They will thank you (or will no longer be irritated).
Step 4. Do not follow behind other vehicles
Tailing behind other vehicles is an unnecessary, annoying and quite dangerous thing to do. Some motorists will experience a psychological reaction to a tailing vehicle so that they will slow down. Some riders also do this just to annoy them. In fact, the Ministry of Transportation recommends lowering the speed when being tailed so that there is sufficient space for the driver behind to brake during an emergency.
- If the vehicle in front is moving very slowly, be patient. Do not shine the headlights of your vehicle as most motorists view this as aggressive and disrespectful. In some countries, motorists can be fined for this aggressive act.
- If you really have to overtake and there is only one lane (the vehicle in front is moving very slowly and the traffic from the opposite direction is quite busy) so you can't overtake as usual, keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front and turn on the headlights briefly (no more than twice). The driver in front may understand and pull over a little to make it easier for you to overtake. If not, keep trying to get ahead in the usual way but don't follow. If you are frequently blocked by other vehicles, you may be traveling too fast than most other vehicles.
Step 5. Always check the rearview mirror and vehicle blind spots before overtaking as there may be other vehicles going faster behind
If so, let the vehicle overtake first. After that, you can overtake the vehicle in front. Make sure the vehicle is going faster than the vehicle that will be overtaking and return to the left lane after successfully overtaking.
Trucks have bigger blind spots. You may assume that the truck driver can see you clearly. However, the truck driver's vision may be impaired because he can only use the rearview mirror to pay attention to other vehicles
Step 6. Use the turn signal to tell other riders the intent and purpose
Not using the turn signal can irritate other drivers. Use your turn signal every time you make a turn, change lanes, enter traffic, or exit toll roads. Use a turn signal even when you don't think you have to.
- If you're driving in fast, heavy traffic, use your turn signal early to let you know you're about to turn, and to give other vehicles enough time to overtake.
- If you are going to turn left at a red light, the driver behind you will really appreciate the early warning.
- If you have to slow down to turn or pull over, use the turn signal before braking. This is done to notify other motorists ahead of time that you are going to slow down.
- When you have turned or changed lanes, make sure the turn signal is no longer on. If the vehicle in front of you changes lanes sensibly (on time and uses a turn signal), let the vehicle in.
Step 7. When you need to brake, step on the brake pedal and slowly lower the speed
Depressing the brake pedal too often will confuse other drivers. However, do not brake suddenly. Give the driver behind you enough time to know that you are braking. The right time to start braking is when you notice that the vehicle in front is braking.
Step 8. Increase speed sensibly
This doesn't mean you have to push the gas pedal all the way and speed like crazy. Don't waste time, especially at the green light, or when it's your turn to go. When changing lanes, don't slow down unless you have to. Instead, increase the speed of your vehicle a little.
Step 9. When entering traffic, pay attention to when is the right time to do so and increase the speed of the vehicle as soon as possible so as not to force other drivers to brake
Be patient and wait for the right time, then enter. If traffic is traveling at 90 km/h and it takes about 30 seconds to pick up speed, you need about 500 meters of space to not cause harm or annoy other motorists.
Step 10. Stop “behind” the stop line, especially at red lights
Stopping in front of the line will confuse other motorists. They may think “did the vehicle stop to wait for a red light or is it breaking down?” In addition, your vehicle may also interfere with traffic light sensors. Stopping in front of the line will not speed up the journey but will instead interfere with other vehicles, especially those trying to turn right.
Step 11. When you're going into a turning lane and preparing to turn, use your turn signal, change to a turning lane, then slow down
If there is more than one lane to turn, choose one and do not switch to another when turning. Switching to a different lane will force other drivers to dodge.
Step 12. When traveling at a speed below the limit, try to go closer to the specified speed limit
However, don't do this if conditions don't allow (all vehicles slow down due to traffic jams, bad weather, etc. or increase speed because traffic returns to normal, weather is favorable, etc.). Even if there is a lane to overtake, match the speed of the other vehicles unless a situation forces you to slow down. When you need to go slower than others (looking for an address or the vehicle is having trouble), use the emergency light. If it is difficult to overtake and a vehicle is blocking traffic, pull over from time to time to allow other vehicles to overtake. Other riders will thank you.
Step 13. If there is more than one empty lane and your vehicle is in the left lane behind another vehicle traveling below the speed limit, do not honk or speed up and cut the lane to indicate that it is too slow
The speed limit is technically the maximum speed limit for vehicles, and vehicles must not pass through it. If you must go within or exceed the speed limit, overtake other vehicles when it is safe.
Step 14. When driving on a multi-lane road, do not hinder traffic by driving next to another vehicle at the same speed
Not only disturbing other vehicles that will overtake, the driver next to you will also be distracted. This problem continues to occur because some drivers do not understand how to overtake properly and correctly when using the cruise control feature. When going to overtake another vehicle using the cruise control feature and the vehicle speed is slightly faster, increase the vehicle speed so that it can overtake at the right time. The shorter the vehicle is on the side of the vehicle being preceded, the more secure the overtaking process will be.
Step 15. When driving on the freeway, do not drive in the right lane all the time unless the traffic is congested or you have to make a turn
The right lane is a special lane for overtaking and is not designed for general traffic, except in some areas. Some countries have laws requiring drivers to use the right lane only to overtake. If the vehicle is in the right lane and is faster than the others, pay attention to the faster vehicle behind. Even if you exceed the speed limit, pull over so that the vehicle can overtake. You can also go at the same speed as the vehicle (for some reason) until you can pull over.
Step 16. Avoid blind spots of other vehicles as much as possible
Blind spots are usually found in the rear right and left corners, depending on the type of vehicle.
Step 17. If you accidentally cause a situation that irritates other drivers, and they honk their horn or express their annoyance in other ways, don't respond with wild gestures, honking the horn, or hitting the brakes
Accept the “punishment” and let the other rider know that you are sorry for the mistake.
Step 18. When stuck in traffic, choose one lane (not the right lane) and don't switch to another
Over the course of several kilometers, all lanes will travel at almost the same speed. Instead of speeding up your trip, changing lanes excessively will only make traffic jams even more. This will also increase the risk of a collision.
Step 19. If you are driving on the expressway and the vehicle next door tries to enter the lane you are using, the vehicle may indeed have to change lanes
Increasing speed so that the vehicle can't get into your lane is childish, and will probably drive the vehicle through the toll booth. If the vehicle is trying to move to the middle lane, the driver may want to overtake the vehicle in front and not see you. Be careful and let the vehicle into the lane you are using.
Step 20. If the vehicle in front is trying to change lanes, do not overtake through that lane to block it
A signal to change lanes is not a sign that you can overtake it. Some motorists strictly follow this “rule” and will change lanes regardless of the state of the lane they will be using, and it's a good idea to turn their backs on other drivers, so you'll be blamed when you hit the vehicle.
Step 21. Understand that the connecting lanes in and out of the toll road are made so as not to interfere with the flow of traffic
Therefore, you do not have to reduce the speed when entering the toll exit connecting lane. On the other hand, the inbound linkage gives you room to reach the speed limit (usually 60 km/h to 80 km/h) so other vehicles don't have to brake. (Keep in mind that these connecting lines can be poorly designed so that you still have to brake or step on the gas when using them).
Step 22. Anticipate traffic flow from connecting lanes to toll roads
Pay attention to traffic signs that indicate a turn or connecting lane to the toll road. If possible, move to another lane safely to allow other vehicles to enter an empty lane. This can prevent congestion caused by traffic that cannot enter the stream.
Step 23. Overtaking using the left lane is very dangerous and is not allowed in some areas
If you have to overtake a vehicle that is traveling quite slowly in the right lane (the overtaking lane), you have two options: Go in the left lane (dangerous and sometimes not allowed) or keep your distance and go at the same speed. Do not follow the vehicle (see “Do not follow behind other vehicles”). never overtake using the shoulder of the road or without paying attention to the traffic conditions in front (on a two-way street). In addition to violating the law, this can endanger the lives of pedestrians who are walking on the shoulder of the road because their vehicle breaks down.
Step 24. Do not keep your foot on the brake pedal while driving
Never do this even if you don't feel you press the brake pedal. The brake pedal may be slightly depressed and the vehicle's brake light may come on so other drivers won't notice when you are actually braking. In addition, this can also cause the brakes to wear out prematurely and waste fuel. Placing your foot on the brake pedal continuously can also cause you to accidentally press the brake and gas pedals simultaneously while in a panic, resulting in the vehicle taking longer to stop.
Tips
- Do not panic. It is important to drive safely because a collision is a very detrimental disaster. If you don't feel comfortable driving at high speeds, slow down and avoid highways. Stay in the left lane and use cruise control (if applicable).
- When turning right onto a road with more than one lane, turn from the right lane to the right. This will make room for other motorists who will turn left. If you are driving on a road with more than one right turn lane, stay in the lane you used when turning. Do not change lanes in the middle of a crossroads.
- When driving in bad weather and the vehicle in front is skidding, slow down until the driver can regain control of the vehicle.
- Pay attention to traffic signs and lights.
- Make sure the vehicle is in good condition. A dead brake light is quite dangerous and can get you a ticket. All turn signal lights must work properly in order to be used. Most areas have laws that prohibit vehicles from being unfit for use.
- When changing lanes, leave enough space for other vehicles in front. Wait until the vehicle gives enough space before changing lanes.
- If the path you will use is missed, don't panic. Use the path after then find a new route. Never back down on the expressway because it is very dangerous.
- Stay in the middle of the lane in use so as not to block the lane next to it. This should be done especially on toll roads, and for vehicles on the right and far right lanes.
- Make sure your view is clear and unobstructed.
- Never run a red light. When the light is yellow and there is enough space for you to stop, stop. Cyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists predict that you will actually stop at a red light. Running a red light can be dangerous to yourself and others. Time is not worth life.
- If the road to be traversed can cause the vehicle to stagnate, do not use the road except during an emergency.
- Do not honk the horn to indicate an error while driving. The horn is a device used to notify other motorists of a certain situation. This tool is not a game button.
Warning
- If road conditions are unfavorable, do not drive. Pull over and wait, or stay home.
- Do not be late. If you are in a hurry, you will drive inconsistently. Allow sufficient time to travel.
- Trucks are much larger than SUVs, and truck drivers usually have limited vision. Leave some space between your vehicle and the truck. Trucks are also much heavier (usually 40 times the weight of a typical vehicle) to stop. If you are going to stop at a red light, DO NOT stop in front of the truck. Truckers estimate how much space it will take to stop. If you stop in front of the truck suddenly, the truck will have to brake more and may cause an accident.
- Any guidelines and tips provided in this article must comply with local traffic regulations.
- Do not do other activities while driving, such as eating or drinking, using cell phones, etc. In some places, activities like this are prohibited while driving.
- When the weather is very bad, for example during a storm, the traffic police may ask some vehicles to pull over and wait. Do this command! While it's not mandatory, don't force driving when it's an emergency or the weather is really bad. This can cause road conditions to deteriorate significantly.
- If you are irritated, other motorists may also be annoyed with you. Keep calm and make room for other motorists who don't know how to traffic.
- AWD or 4WD vehicles do not guarantee safety when driving on difficult terrain or reduce braking distance, and these vehicles can be damaged if used on dry roads. Always be careful when driving in bad weather.
- Drowsiness or being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs (including common cold medicines sold in pharmacies) can be dangerous to yourself and others while driving. Pull over to a safe place and wait for your body to return to normal.
