Living in this busy world involves pressure, time restraints, distractions and more. In driving, that can equate to speed, not paying the appropriate attention to the task, dashboard screens, finding your favourite song, aggravation at others and sometimes, even aggression.
All these things, while driving, are less than ideal especially when you consider that so many things can go wrong in the blink of an eye. Travelling too close to the vehicle in front, not indicating to turn or pull into a turn-off bay, getting angry that the traffic is moving slower than you’d like, running late, or just plain driving aggressively.
Enter Spider-Man.
If you’re a fan of super hero movies you would be familiar with the term ‘with great power, comes great responsibility’ (Thank you Spider-Man).
As corny as that may be, it is actually quite true. You are being propelled in a large metal object that can go very fast, stop quite slowly (or skid), with thousands of other vehicles doing the same as you, in a defined area, sometimes in bad weather, with a plethora of distractions all around you.
Paying careful attention and applying a little understanding and courtesy to others is really the least you can do. As road users, we have a duty not only to ourselves but also to our fellow drivers. In Western Australia, where vast landscapes stretch across cities, regional areas, and remote locations, practicing good driving etiquette is crucial.
Why be courteous, it not up to me.
Courtesy when driving and for other road users is up to everyone. How many times have you muttered something derogatory after some other driver has done something dangerous? The problem is, some may take it a step further and act out aggressively. We see news reports of road rage on occasion, which seems to be a continuing problem, but really stems from a lack of etiquette and does not need to go that far
Some Tips.
What is the most important thing when taking a drive in your car? The answer is simple, getting there safely. Just taking a moment to follow the traffic flow, let that other car merge, not needing to jump the queue to get one car ahead, keep a decent distance, always indicate you intention when turning (which is the law) and just keep in mind that you are one of millions of other road users, so the road does not actually belong to you.
- Good driving etiquette goes beyond just following rules, it’s about creating a culture of respect and consideration on the road.
- Being courteous means yielding to pedestrians, allowing safe merging, and maintaining patience and distance during traffic.
- Stick to speed limits, especially in school zones and built-up areas. Be aware, don’t be distracted and put all of your focus on the task at hand.
- Avoid distractions like mobile phones, head unit screens and passengers – even a few seconds of distraction can (and does) lead to disaster.
- Show patience and courtesy when sharing the road with heavy vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. Get there in one piece and allow others the same, Give way, let someone pass, merge well and just be willing to take a moment to let it all happen around you as smoothly as possible….
And in closing.
Driving courteously isn’t just a legal obligation, it’s a moral imperative. By adhering to road safety principles, we contribute to a safer environment for all. So drive with empathy, drive with respect, let annoyances pass, and commit to protect not only your life, but all lives on Western Australian roads.
And remember, if you have any issues with your car, Autospark is your go-to for auto electrical, repairs and vehicle service, along with the best advice. Talk to the experts, your trusted professionals at Autospark.
