Guide to... Road etiquette

If more people obeyed the law and followed the basic etiquette on the road, we would all get to our destinations a lot quicker

If more people obeyed the law and followed the basic etiquette on the road, we would all get to our destinations a lot quicker.

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Taking a closer look at an accident is perfectly fine, provided you plan on being of some help. But slowing down just to take a look can not only be an unpleasant experience, it can also cause unnecessary congestion on both sides of the road. Besides, the distraction might cause you to crash your own vehicle.

WRONG TURN, SUCK IT UPu00a0
Made a wrong turn? Missed a turn? Got in the wrong lane? Sure, it happens. But don't go trying to fix it by immediately slamming on the brakes, trying to get over to the right lane, while holding up traffic, or doing something else that's just as stupid. Go all the way to the next turn and come back onto the road.

BREAKDOWN BLUESu00a0
If your car suddenly breaks down in the middle of the road, don't just stop it there. Turn on the hazard lights and try and indicate to the following vehicles that you have a problem.

Try and move away from the stalled vehicle and get onto the footpath if you can. This will be a safer place for you to wait for help.

DON'T TAILGATEu00a0
Following someone too closely can incite road rage and won't help you get anywhere any sooner. As a general rule, try and maintain a two-second gap between your car and the one ahead. If you are too close you may end up running into the car in front if its driver applies the brakes suddenly.

TAKE A BREAK
If you've had a long day at work or haven't been able to get enough sleep, it's a good idea to take a break from driving in order to avoid fatigue. If you are on the highway, take a 15-minute rest after every two hours of driving. Walk around the car and stretch as much as you can to relieve stress.

READ THE SIGN
Signs and markings on the road do frustrate every driver. But these are present for a reason. Slow down when you are arriving at a road sign in order to read it. Keep your car in the same lane though and keep an eye open in case there's a sudden turn up ahead or a broken-down vehicle for that matter.

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