TL;DR:

Good road manners keep traffic flowing and reduce accidents.
Common issues include tailgating, failing to signal, and cutting off other drivers.
Drivers ed reinforces respectful, safe driving habits.
Get Drivers Ed offers online training to help you build skills and awareness.
Respect on the road leads to safer, smoother, and stress-free driving for everyone.

Driving is about more than following the rules—it’s about sharing the road with others. We’ve all seen “that driver”: the one who cuts off cars without signaling, tailgates dangerously close, or blasts through stop signs. These habits don’t just frustrate other drivers; they create real risks.

At Get Drivers Ed, we believe that road manners are just as important as technical skills. While traffic laws tell you what you must do, etiquette is about what you should do to make driving safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Why Road Manners Matter

Beyond the Rules

Traffic laws set the foundation, but manners like letting someone merge or not honking unnecessarily build trust between drivers. Courtesy can prevent accidents and reduce road rage incidents.

Safety and Stress

Driving is stressful enough without dealing with aggressive or inconsiderate behavior. Practicing proper etiquette reduces tension and keeps the road a calmer, safer place.

The Road Manners You Should Never Ignore

1. Always Use Your Turn Signals

It seems obvious, but many drivers forget—or choose not—to signal. Not using your blinker is confusing and dangerous. In drivers ed, signaling is one of the first habits taught, because it communicates intent and prevents collisions.

2. Don’t Tailgate

Following too closely leaves little time to react. The three-second rule is a standard in safe driving: always keep at least three seconds between your car and the one ahead. Increase this distance in bad weather.

3. Respect Pedestrians and Cyclists

Yield at crosswalks and give cyclists at least three feet of space. These small actions show respect for all road users, not just vehicles.

4. Merge Like a Pro

Cutting off cars or failing to let others merge creates unnecessary bottlenecks. Practice the “zipper merge” by taking turns when lanes narrow. It keeps traffic flowing smoothly.

5. Keep the Volume Down

Blasting your music or honking aggressively might make you feel powerful, but it’s distracting and inconsiderate. Good drivers maintain awareness, not chaos.

Common Bad Habits That Make You “That Driver”

Ignoring Stop Signs

Rolling through stop signs isn’t just illegal—it’s unsafe. Full stops give you time to scan for pedestrians, cyclists, and cross traffic.

Speeding in Residential Areas

Neighborhoods are full of kids, pets, and unexpected hazards. Going even a little too fast can end in tragedy.

Blocking Intersections

When traffic is heavy, don’t enter an intersection unless you can clear it completely. Blocking cross traffic is one of the fastest ways to frustrate others.

How Drivers Ed Builds Road Courtesy

At Get Drivers Ed, we teach more than just the rules of the road—we teach drivers how to share it. Our drivers ed course emphasizes both technical skills and the soft skills of driving, like patience, courtesy, and defensive awareness.

Course Features That Reinforce Manners:

Defensive Driving: Protecting Yourself from “That Driver”

Anticipate Mistakes

Always assume others may fail to signal, merge improperly, or stop suddenly. This mindset helps you avoid accidents.

Give Aggressive Drivers Space

If someone is tailgating or weaving through traffic, don’t escalate. Slow down slightly and let them pass.

Stay Calm and Focused

Road rage only makes dangerous situations worse. Staying calm protects you and your passengers.

Final Thoughts: Courtesy Makes the Road Safer

Road manners aren’t optional—they’re essential for creating safer, smoother driving experiences for everyone. By practicing small courtesies like signaling, respecting space, and following safe driving habits, you avoid being “that driver” and set an example for others.

At Get Drivers Ed, we believe respectful driving starts with education. If you’re ready to build not just skills but also the mindset of a safe, courteous driver, enroll in our drivers ed course today. Because when you drive with respect, everyone wins.