Red Light Etiquette

From 3arf

Red light etiquette is not about stopping at a red light. It is about the proper way to interact with other road users when stopped at a red light. While this is something that most drivers never think about consciously, it is a subject worth exploring.

Proper red light etiquette is fairly easy to observe. For the most part, looking ahead and accelerating once the light turns green is all you need to do.

Red light etiquette also means avoiding behavior that irritates or inconveniences others.

Here are some prime examples of bad red light etiquette:

1. Blocking the crosswalk

The crosswalk is meant to be used by pedestrians. Most pedestrians will ignore a vehicle in the crosswalk but some will find it extremely rude since it encroaches on space allotted for their use. Having your vehicle in the crosswalk can also pose a significant inconvenience to pedestrians with impaired mobility. Avoid occupying the crosswalk when waiting for a red light.

2. Blocking others from making a right turn on red

In many areas, a right turn on red is allowed after coming to a complete stop, and sometimes there are even signs posted to remind us. If you do not plan on making a right turn, you should not be in the right lane. If you accidentally find yourself in the right lane at a red light, make sure to leave room for traffic that may want to execute a right turn.

3. Blaring your stereo with your windows open or top down

You may think you have the most wonderful taste in music, and you may have the loudest and most expensive car stereo available but guess what? The driver next to you isn't impressed. They don't want to hear your music and don't want their eardrums assaulted even for the short time they are stuck at a red light. Be considerate and turn down the volume of your music anytime you're next to another driver.

4. Staring at the driver of the vehicle next to you

After you have pulled up alongside another driver to wait for a red light, there is no good reason to stare at them. It annoys most people to be stared at under any circumstances and this rude behavior can cause an unnecessary confrontation. If you find the driver next to you attractive, go ahead and quickly glance at them but a red light is not the place to initiate a love connection.

5. Ignoring another driver's request for directions

Okay, this is a fairly common occurrence at red lights. If another driver is trying to ask you for directions, it only takes a few seconds to give them an answer. This is a simple matter of courtesy. If you can't help them, just say so, and if you can, finish giving them directions before the light turns green. Giving directions to another driver is no excuse to hold up motorists behind you.

6. Pulling up too close alongside another vehicle

There is no good reason to get very close to another vehicle at a red light. This will agitate just about any driver. Being too close to another vehicle increases the chances of an accident, and it can also lead to a confrontation with the other driver. Whether waiting on line or waiting at a red light, everyone likes their personal space. Keep this in mind and maintain a reasonable distance from other vehicles at all times.

7. Not accelerating when the light turns green

This is probably the most common type of bad red light etiquette. A red light means stop and a green light means go! If you are not accelerating when the red light changes to green, you are impeding the forward motion of everyone behind you. This definitely qualifies as rude driving behavior and it will solicit angry honking and obscene gestures from most motorists. Please pay attention to the traffic light.

Okay, this short article does not cover every possible situation regarding red light etiquette but when in doubt, simply use your best judgment and avoid being a nuisance or a hazard to other drivers.

If we all try to follow proper etiquette at red lights, and when driving in general, the end result will be a more pleasant driving experience for everyone.

Happy Motoring!


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