Sometimes, you see people on the road doing things that leave you wondering what on earth they are doing – and why it isn’t illegal. Remember, the law doesn’t dictate everything; there are a few things determined by common courtesy. When rules are lacking, things get worse.
Many drivers don’t even realize how their actions impact others. To help you avoid being that person, take a moment to review this list and see if there are any habits you might need to correct to improve your public behavior.
Driving Too Slowly
Some drivers drive so sluggish that they leave you wondering if they hit the road just to play with other drivers’ minds. They sure don’t go against the law since they are not posing any threat to anyone, but the irritation they create is unmeasurable – especially if in a rush.
Excessive Honking
Some drivers keep their hands on the horn throughout their drive. They need to understand that honking the horn without a break won’t magically clear the way for them. It is also not a very effective way to communicate with other drivers. While it is prohibited in some regions, many would love for this to be made illegal in all states, considering the annoyance it causes.
Not Paying Attention to Other Drivers’ Signals
Excessive honking may be irritating, but sometimes it’s the only way to alert a driver who’s not paying attention to their surroundings. Unfortunately, there are drivers who ignore signals and barge forward without leaving room for communication. This lack of awareness can lead to serious problems on the road.
Playing Loud Bass Music
When you’re driving, not every vibration you feel is an earthquake; sometimes it’s a driver blasting music with such intense bass that it’s impossible to ignore. The volume can be so high that the rest of the road users on the highway are forced to listen to it too, even if driving on different lanes. While some states, like California, have laws regulating loud music in vehicles, this is an issue that deserves consideration nationwide.
Rubbernecking
When you’re behind the wheel, your primary focus should be on driving, not reading every sign, noticing every detail, or cheering for other drivers. Engaging in these distractions is not only irritating but also extremely dangerous. According to Forbes, distracted driving claims the lives of around 3,000 people each year. Keep your attention on the road – it is crucial for your own safety and that of everyone around you.
Not Driving Ahead at Green Light
We’ve all encountered that driver at a traffic light who seems to forget they need to move when the light turns green. While they’re lost in their own world, the wait becomes an exasperating experience for everyone behind them. This delay, though seemingly minor, can turn into a significant source of frustration for other drivers trying to get on with their day.
Leaving Signal Lights On for No Reason
Here’s another type of driver that keeps you puzzled for a long time. They turn on the turn signal at some point and forget to turn it off. The result? Everyone behind them stays cautious and puzzled, waiting for them to take the long-awaited turn they don’t even plan to take anyway.
Using Hazard Flashers to Park Anywhere Without an Actual Hazard
Using hazard flashers to park anywhere without a genuine emergency is a deceptive tactic that can really frustrate other drivers. While it might seem like a clever workaround for the person doing it, it’s essentially a misuse of the hazard lights. It’s especially irritating when the so-called “emergency” turns out to be a brief stop at a store like Walmart. This misuse not only causes inconvenience but also undermines the true purpose of hazard lights.
Following a Slow Vehicle Closely without Overtaking It
There’s nothing quite as unsettling as the feeling of being followed while driving. It becomes even more frustrating when a driver tailgates you, seemingly preparing to overtake, only to match your speed when you slow down. This behavior not only adds unnecessary stress to your journey but also creates an uncomfortable and unnerving situation on the road.
Slow Drivers Frowning at You When You Overtake Them
Sometimes, you follow a slow vehicle, hoping they’d eventually speed up, but they don’t. You decide to overtake them, and when you do, they frown and make faces as if you have committed an offense. Audacity much, right?
Flashing Headlights to Make a Car Move When it Can’t
Flashing headlights to communicate with other drivers can be a useful way to signal intentions or alert others. However, it’s puzzling when a driver persistently flashes their headlights at a car that’s already stuck in traffic with no way to move. It’s unclear what they expect the driver to do, and this behavior can be both confusing and irritating for everyone involved. If you ever figure out the reasoning behind it, we’d be curious to hear!
The Pass-Slow Down-Pass Game
No, that’s not actually a game, but some drivers think it is. They overtake you and slow down, let you overtake them, and then overtake you again. The cycle continues, and you’ll commonly experience it while on a long road trip to the countryside. Why? We have absolutely no idea…
Merging Too Soon
Drivers who merge gradually after changing lanes can be a minor nuisance, especially when they do so without maintaining proper spacing. While it might not be as bothersome as other road behaviors, merging too soon or without consideration can disrupt the traffic flow and rhythm of the lane. This gradual merging, although often well-intentioned, can create confusion and frustration for drivers who are already navigating their lanes.
Not Keeping a Constant Speed
It is annoying for other drivers on the road when a vehicle is too slow at one point and too fast at the next. The driver doesn’t maintain speed at any point, which not only disrupts the traffic flow but can also be highly dangerous.
Driving Extremely Dirty Cars
It mainly affects the “clean freaks”; it is annoying for them to see a car covered with dirt on the road. Some cars are so dirty that even normal people feel disgusted when they see them cruising. Let’s not mention the weird and sometimes crude messages written in the dirt on the windows.
Slowing Down for a Speed Camera While Already Driving Under Limit
You don’t have to slow down further to honor the speed camera when you are already under the speed limit. Yet, it is a very common practice rooted in psychological instinct.
Drivers Deliberately Closing the Gap You Plan to Get into While Merging
It’s incredibly frustrating when you’re trying to switch lanes and a driver who was maintaining a safe distance suddenly closes the gap just as you’re about to merge. This behavior not only disrupts your maneuver but also creates unnecessary tension on the road. If you’re the one who instinctively closes the gap to prevent others from merging, please reconsider this practice. Sharing the road means allowing others to merge safely, which ultimately contributes to smoother and more courteous driving for everyone.
Doing a GRWM or Instagram Live While Driving
Nowadays, every other influencer is doing “get ready with me” videos and social media lives while driving their car. It’s mostly why they are not as attentive on the road as they should be. This causes issues like being unable to maintain a constant speed and distracted driving that confuses the other drivers. Keep digital socializing for the home or empty roads!
Frustrating, Yet Sadly Not Illegal
While not most of these things are illegal for various reasons, you’ll want the states to teach these basic road manners to everyone applying for a license once you encounter them on the road.
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Zainab Noor is a motoring journalist. Childhood rides in Nissan Almera fueled her love for cars. After graduating from AIOU in 2021, she steered her passion into freelance writing. You can find Zainab on LinkedIn.
