Courteous Driving

A Canadian Direct Insurance Claim:

A Canadian Direct customer was travelling along Barnet Highway in the right lane, while another vehicle was beside and slightly behind her in the left lane. The customer signalled to move into the left lane, thinking that the other driver would be courteous and let her in. As she moved over, the two cars collided, the right front of the other vehicle hitting the left rear quarter panel of the customer's vehicle.

Could This Accident Have Been Avoided?

Courtesy. I'm sure we would all agree we could use a lot more of it in our driving world these days.

Wouldn't it be nice if everyone would simply take turns where two lanes merge into one, alternating into the one lane? Wouldn't it be nice if some drivers wouldn't try to squeeze down to the very end and then force their way in? Or when it's your turn to merge into the line, the driver next to you wouldn't think of it as a competition, and not let you in?

If they only realized how little they gain, and how much it slows themselves and the overall traffic flow. Unfortunately, that kind of driving behaviour encourages others to follow, therefore slowing traffic even more - including the driver who started it.

And wouldn't it be nice if drivers approaching an un-controlled intersection would yield to the car on the right, instead of bullying their way through?

Wouldn't it be nice if drivers in heavy traffic wouldn't block intersections? This really messes up traffic for everyone else, and usually gains little or nothing.

Wouldn't it be nice if drivers used their turn signals to let everyone around them know what they were doing - every time they change direction (changing lanes, going off or on the freeway, turning, etc.) - no matter how obvious it seems to them where they're going? It's not just the courteous thing to do, it's the law.

Wouldn't it be nice if drivers in the right lane would try to change to the left lane, to leave room for you when you are trying to merge onto a freeway?

Wouldn't it be nice if drivers would be as courteous as they expect others to be to them?

A little courtesy can go a long way in helping keep the traffic moving.

However, some traffic problems are actually caused by too much courtesy.

Here's a common occurrence. A driver stops for a pedestrian crossing the street in the middle of the block. The driver feels they are doing the pedestrian a favour. What they are really doing is risking being rear-ended by someone not expecting the car ahead of them to stop in the middle of the block. And again, it slows the traffic flow.

It would be better for all involved if the driver carried on past the pedestrian, allowing them to cross illegally when they want. It will probably be quicker for the person crossing the street, as well. After all, I doubt the pedestrian was expecting the driver to stop in the middle of the block.

Again, drivers really need to think about how to keep the traffic flowing most efficiently. So think of yourself and all the other drivers on the road as part of a team. There are times you need to let your team mates lead the way, and other times you need to lead. We will all gain from an attitude like that. The real key here is thinking about what is going to keep traffic flowing as easily and efficiently as possible. A little courtesy will go a long way.