Call me picky or whatever but I’ve noticed a few things etiquette-wise slipping southwards. For some unknown reason it is the same situations (see below) that keep popping up and I think it is time something was done about it. The Oxford Dictionary describes Etiquette well. Check it out here if unsure what the word means. And just like a textbook with questions and answers, I’ve come up with a solution on what to do should you find yourself in one of the situations below.
Failure to give a courtesy wave to someone when they let you into their lane.
Think peak hour bumper to bumper traffic and there is a left lane ending so all the cars in that lane need to merge into the right lane. I (or the person in car A) don’t have to let you into my lane. Nor do I care what car you drive (luxury or other type). A wave of acknowledgement will do. Failure to do so might result in you being beeped at or something else. That reminds me, I should get the dashcam back up and running.
Solution: A simple wave from you (or the person in car B) will do. For more information on what a courtesy wave is, check out the links following the other situations.
Tailgating when there is no one in the lane next to them and overtaking while turning.
Normally when it is safe to do so, drivers would merge into the other lane next to them should they not be driving as slow as the car in front of them (sticking to the speed limit of course) Unfortunately there are drivers out there who would rather sit on someone’s tail and follow too close. Last thing anyone wants is a damaged back bumper bar. And what’s with this overtaking while turning business? I thought it was illegal and dangerous.
Solution: Either slow down or when safe to do so, pull into the other lane. Sometimes there is no option of merging into another lane and that is when you need to slow down As for the overtaking while turning, don’t do it Honestly. Just don’t. I know you think it might be the only chance of getting ahead of the motorist in front of you before merging onto the freeway (or other road), but just wait until the turn is finished. It’s only going to take another second or two. Then by all means overtake to your hearts content when safe to do so.
The failure to place trolleys back either into a store trolley bay or carpark trolley bay.
I understand people want to want to do their ‘good deed for the day’ and leave shopping trolleys around for someone else’s perusal. But not everyone has the same vision. There have been a few times where I’ve moved trolleys out of the way so there wouldn’t be a risk of them damaging mine or anyone else’s car.
Solution: Place said trolley back in a trolley bay. Or if you feel the need to the do the ‘good deed for the day’ thing, put it out of the way where it won’t damage anyone’s car. Poles (concrete or steel) or anywhere a trolley could roll in the wind and damage anyone’s car are not recommended.
Failing to cross the road safely when there are either traffic lights or a pedestrian crossing 5 or so metres away.
I’m talking about when people see a car coming and still cross anyway (especially in shopping centre carparks and other places when said car is a few metres away). On top of wanting to find a carpark, getting in and getting out of the shops, people shouldn’t have to worry about injuring a pedestrian because they didn’t look if there was a car approaching. Drivers can only drive so slowly around those areas without stopping and annoying anyone behind them. A pedestrian crossing is also referred to as a zebra crossing due to the white lines on the black/tar coloured background. This is often accompanied by a yellow round sign with black feet on it Solution: Either use the crossing or wait until the approaching vehicle has passed you. Look left, look right and if crossing at a corner, look where the other road ending is too. If it is clear, cross, if not, wait until it is clear. If not, move to another spot and attempt to cross the road. And if a car does stop for you, make sure you give them a courtesy wave.
I’m still yet to figure out how to prevent traffic lights staying red for so long. But I would love to know your opinion of other things etiquette that can be improved. In the meantime, I’m off to refit the dashcam onto the windscreen. Stay safe wherever you are and give a wave if someone lets you into their lane or stops for you. It only takes a few seconds.
Courtesy wave links
http://kdvr.com/2012/05/18/driving-you-crazy-the-courtesy-wave/ This is a good video.
http://www.mynrma.com.au/blog/2011/05/26/the-lost-art-of-the-courtesy-wave/
http://www.complex.com/sports/2013/06/unwritten-rules-of-the-road/the-courtesy-wave-is-not-optional
Sources:
Driving you crazy: The courtesy wave http://kdvr.com/2012/05/18/driving-you-crazy-the-courtesy-wave/ viewed 22/3/2015
The lost art of the courtesy wave http://www.mynrma.com.au/blog/2011/05/26/the-lost-art-of-the-courtesy-wave/ viewed 22/3/2015
The courtesy wave is not optional http://www.complex.com/sports/2013/06/unwritten-rules-of-the-road/the-courtesy-wave-is-not-optional viewed 22/3/2015
Oxford Dictionary definition of etiquette http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/etiquette viewed 22/3/2015
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