Following traffic laws is only one part of being a good driver – you also need to be aware of the unspoken rules of the road. If you are getting dirty looks from other drivers, honked at, or rude gestures directed at you, you may need to brush up on your driver etiquette. Here are five etiquette errors that you may inadvertently be making.
- Using Your Cell Phone – Not only is using your cell phone poor etiquette, it is also against the law in Connecticut! Even if you are in a state that allows people to use their cell phones while driving, you should put the phone down and focus on your surroundings.
- Ignoring Your Turn Signals – Your turn signals allow you to let other drivers know what you are going to do before you do it. In addition, there are laws requiring you to signal maneuvers before performing them in Connecticut, so you could get a ticket for failing to do so. Signaling your intentions even earlier than the law requires will ensure that other drivers are aware of your intentions.
- Driving in the Passing Lane – The left lane is for passing, not for driving. Unless you are passing another driver, you should stay in the right lane unless there is a good reason not to.
- Not Making Room for Merging Traffic – One good reason to get over into the left lane for a moment (and one that could be considered passing) is making room for traffic that is merging from an on-ramp on the right side of the road. If you see a car trying to merge, get over to the left until it is in the first lane and has gotten up to speed.
- Passing Slowly – As mentioned above, the left lane is for passing. No one likes to be crowded by other vehicles, so if you are passing on a two-lane road, get to a speed where you will pass them quickly and put space between you and the other car so that you can get back over.
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