We’ve all heard the saying that no good deed goes unpunished. But when driving your car on the roads and highways, sometimes polite behavior isn’t as desirable as you may think. If you consider yourself a polite motorist ready, willing, and able to go the extra mile for others, here are 16 “polite” driver behaviors that other motorists will see as anything but.
Giving Others the Right of Way When You Have the Right of Way
When you have the right of way, don’t hold up traffic by bidding another motorist to drive through the intersection or make a turn. If you have the right away, keep it moving unless it’s unsafe to do so — like if a maniac speeds through the intersection with no regard for life or limb.
Stopping in the Middle of the Lane for Wildlife
Okay, this one is more controversial. But you can’t slam on the brakes if you encounter a squirrel, chipmunk, or other small animal on the road. That’s one reason to be aware of your surroundings. If there are no cars behind you, it might be safe to slow down, switch lanes, or pull over on the side of the road or shoulder of the highway. Otherwise, you can’t afford to set off a chain of events that causes a rear-end collision.
The Universal Technical Institute says there are around 1.7 million rear-end accidents annually. Don’t become another statistic.
Saying “Thank You” With the Wrong Lights
If someone does something nice on the road, it’s sometimes tempting to flash the hazard lights to say, “Thank you!” Giving them a quick wave to acknowledge their kind act might be better. The reason? You don’t want to accidentally use the wrong light switch and shine your high beams right at the courteous driver.
Switching Lanes to Let Someone Merge — Without Checking if It’s Safe to Do So
Be wary if you’re driving and notice someone wants to merge into the lane. It’s nice to be courteous — but not at the expense of other drivers. Only slow down or move over if it’s safe to do so.
Driving at the Speed Limit When Everyone’s Driving Faster
While you generally shouldn’t drive faster than the posted speed limit, sometimes you must increase your speed to keep up with other drivers. Driving at the speed limit when everyone around you is driving a bit faster can be dangerous.
Waving Someone Through a Stop Sign When It’s Your Turn
Do you know one thing that can cause chaos at a four-way intersection with stop signs on all four corners? Drivers who politely give up their right of way for other motorists. Sometimes, these other motorists hesitate — and you have a standstill that drives other motorists crazy.
Slowing Down on the Highway to Let Someone Merge
When driving on the freeway, don’t make the mistake of slowing down to let someone merge into the lane if other drivers are behind you. Doing the wrong thing will force these other motorists to slam on their brakes or swerve to avoid rear-ending you.
Stopping in a Live Lane to Help Someone
Everybody loves a good samaritan. But other motorists will shake their heads in disbelief or their fists in anger if you stop in the middle of a live lane. At the very least, pull over before helping someone.
Reserving a Parking Space for Someone
Another “polite” gesture that is actually disrespectful is standing in a parking spot to reserve it for someone. On the one hand, it’s nice of you to do that for a friend. On the other hand, it’s selfish of you to deny another driver a spot when you have no right to do so.
Helping Someone in Your Car When You’re Driving
When driving, you need to focus on doing just that…driving. You can’t afford to get distracted by anyone in your car. While it might be in your nature to help, pull over if you must help a passenger.
Stopping Unncessarily in a Roundabout
If you’re like many drivers, you don’t like roundabouts. They’re designed to move traffic quickly and efficiently, but all it’ll take is one bad move to have everything grind to a halt. When traveling through a roundabout, resist the urge to slow down and let someone enter. Again, roundabouts are designed to keep things moving. Don’t create a blockage.
Letting Your Dog Sit on Your Lap
Almost seven in 10 households — 66% — own a pet. And most of these pets are dogs. While you may love man and woman’s best friend, there’s a time and a place for everything. And one thing’s for sure — there’s never a time or place for a dog on your lap when driving. Your dog will appreciate sitting on your lap, but other drivers will think you’re stark raving mad.
Allowing Someone to Follow You
It might seem like a kind gesture to allow a family member or friend to follow behind your car if they don’t know how to get somewhere. But that can create a dangerous situation — especially if they run a red light to keep up with you. Let them use a GPS rather than follow you.
Driving Too Slow in the Passing Lane
All drivers know they should drive in the right lane unless they have a reason to be in the left lane. But many motorists don’t follow this rule. Even if driving at the speed limit in the left lane, you’re being anything but polite if you’re unnecessarily in the passing lane. The left lane is for people who want to make a turn or get around drivers in the right lane.
Stopping in the Middle of the Road to Talk to Someone
It bears repeating that there’s a time and a place for everything. So, if you’re driving and see someone you know crossing the road, that’s not the time to stop your car to say, “Hello.” Other drivers will see your “polite” act for what it is — disrespectful and dangerous.
Flashing Your Headlights to Alert Motorists of Police
Okay, this one’s controversial. Is it okay to flash your lights to let drivers know the police are waiting up ahead to nab speeders? While many drivers will appreciate the warning, do you really want to encourage speeding that can contribute to accidents?
Sometimes Being “Polite” Can Backfire
When driving, it’s always best to be on your best behavior. You want to be part of the solution rather than part of the problem. That’s why you should be mindful of your behavior behind the steering wheel. Avoid driver behaviors that, while well-intentioned, may get under the skin of others.
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