What Are The Rules of The Road New Drivers Should Know
The prospect of learning to drive also marks a shift in freedom for young adults throughout America. Being able to drive means being able to where you want on your own terms, it also makes you capable of helping in emergency situations. Although there are aspects of driving which seem to go unmentioned to most new drivers, and instead are expected to learn the road safety rules.
While some people can pick up on these unwritten rules with ease, others may struggle to understand why people drive a certain way. It can be helpful for all new drivers, regardless of age, to learn a little about these unwritten rules before they’re expected to abide by them. As a driving school in Phoenix AZ, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide some insight into these unwritten rules.
Rules of The Road New Drivers Should Know
Here is a look at some of the common unwritten rules of the road which are relevant to all drivers.
The Left Lane on the Highway is the Fast Lane
This isn’t so much an unwritten or unspoken rule, and is something that all learners in our driving school in Phoenix AZ are reminded of. When driving on the highway, the left lane should be left to faster vehicles as they will have plenty of clearance. What this means for new drivers is that the right lane will generally be a safer bet, as those driving faster will have experience and the confidence to do so safely. If you’re in the left or middle lane and vehicles are catching up to you quickly, then you will want to move into the right hand lane.
There are two key points when it comes to driving on the highway:
- Yield to faster traffic
- Never pass on the right / only pass on the left
Be in the Right Lane if You’re Making a Turn
On top of this, you should always be in the correct lane for the off ramp you’re taking. Don’t worry so much about fast or slow lanes when it comes to this, as you will be leaving the highway shortly thereafter.
Rules of The Road & Common Courtesy Tips
Everyone has experienced road rage, whether it’s someone yelling at your vehicle and occupants, or people yelling at each other across the lanes at a traffic light. With enough rage and frustration already on the road, it’s important to balance it with courtesy and gratitude, which can often be disarming in those conflicts. By being courteous on the road you will learn to drive much more mindfully, and your expressions of gratitude may have a profoundly positive effect on someone’s bad day.
This can be broken down into a few points:
- If you can, let people go before you
- When people let you go always respond gratefully
- Remember that behind the car is often a human being with their own world and problems, and that in the end we’re all in this together
Gas Station Etiquette
Volumes could be written about the etiquette which should be expected on the roads, and if it were abided to we’d probably see less accidents. Upholding this etiquette isn’t just about being nice to strangers, it’s also recognizing that we are all in the same boat and that no one needs to take priority over others.
A busy gas station can be a stressful experience, and it can be made much worse by impatient people. If you’re filling up at a busy gas station, move your car away from the pump to the appropriate parking space before heading inside. This allows the next person to start fueling their vehicle while you’re browsing or paying, and saves everybody time.
Road Safety Rules & Parking Lot Practices
Parking lots are generally one of the first places people learn to drive, and have their own unwritten road rules which protect pedestrians. While it’s a given, one should always be driving at walking speed in parking lots, even empty ones, as you never know if children or dogs are around.
On top of that there are a couple of other situations which should be handled appropriately.
Minor Accidents in Parking Lots
As much as we try to avoid them, minor collisions will happen in places like parking lots due to the lack of space to pivot and swivel in. Even if you can’t see any damage on the other person’s car, you should always leave a note detailing what happened and including your contact name and number and insurance details.
Don’t Steal Parking Spaces
When perusing a parking lot for somewhere to park, it can be tempting to pull into spaces which other people are lining up for. This can be distressing to some people, and lead to unnecessary altercations, and to be honest it’s downright rude. On top of not stealing parking spaces, you should consider your own ability to get around, and leave the better parking spaces for the elderly and parents.
If you’re looking for a few more lessons to help touch up your driving, or wondering where to send your kids in Arizona for their best driving education, look no further than Legacy Driving Academy. We are a professional driving school in Phoenix AZ with plenty of experience on the roads and in the classroom, check out our website or call us today for more details. We also service surrounding areas such as Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert and Ahwatukee.
