The Rudest Things You Can Do While You’re Driving

Driving a car might feel fun and freeing at times, but it can also be one of the most infuriating experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned commuter or occasional road tripper, you’ve no doubt witnessed your fair share of aggressive lane changes, excessive honking, bird-flipping and even physical confrontations on the road.

“Driving ― like any shared experience ― works best when we lead with kindness, patience and respect,” etiquette expert Juliet Mitchell, also known as Ms. J, told HuffPost. “Safety is etiquette. It shows care not only for yourself but for everyone on the road.”

From road rage to distracted driving, there are many bad behaviors that are not just rude, but dangerous. And it seems as though many people behave worse toward each other when they’re separated by the walls, closed doors and rolled-up windows of their cars.

“Etiquette is really all about awareness and consideration of others,” said Mariah Grumet Humbert, the founder of Old Soul Etiquette. “This applies to being behind the wheel, too. We are communicating with people in so many ways even while we are driving, so it’s important to pay close attention to how that communication could affect someone through the lens of both safety and common courtesy.”

To help people arrive at their destinations without incident or unnecessary stress, HuffPost asked Mitchell, Humbert and other etiquette experts to share the common faux pas drivers should avoid on the road.

“Don’t honk your horn unless you are signaling to someone about to back into you, swerve into your lane or hit your car with their vehicle,” said Diane Gottsman, the author of “Modern Etiquette for a Better Life” and founder of The Protocol School of Texas.

The horn is there for safety, not for your personal convenience or impatience. It’s not meant to be a way to express your road rage, either.

“Don’t honk the second the light changes,” advised Jodi R.R. Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “Give drivers a moment to take their foot off the brake and hit the gas. Also, they might see something you don’t.”

“If you notice someone’s right or left indicator, that simply means you may need to slow down a bit, extend courtesy and allow them to merge into the lane in front of you,” said Jackie Vernon-Thompson, the founder of From the Inside-Out School of Etiquette.

When others are trying to merge into your lane or onto the highway where you’re driving, don’t try to block them.

“It is polite to allow others to merge, especially the classic Midwestern ‘zipper merge’ when two lanes are being restricted to one and there is heavy traffic in both lanes,” Smith said. “But when traffic is moving at a steady clip, and drivers are merging, it is best to keep at your steady rate of speed so they can gauge where you are and adjust their speed accordingly.”

Don’t forget your manners when you’re the one merging as well.

“When another driver lets you merge or go first, offer a wave or nod,” Mitchell advised. “It’s a small gesture that carries big weight. Ignoring someone’s courtesy can feel dismissive ― and might even spark unnecessary tension.”

“One of the behaviors of drivers that truly is a pet peeve of mine is when a driver literally blocks the entrance and exit of a street, plaza or store with their vehicle,” Vernon-Thompson said. “Common courtesy is to always leave such areas clear to ensure drivers can maneuver in and out with no obstruction by your vehicle.”

If you need to stop, find a place where you can pull over that doesn’t block other drivers from getting by you or accessing the area.

“One of the most dangerous habits some drivers practice is tailgating ― following another vehicle dangerously close so that if the vehicle in front were to suddenly stop, there is no doubt the vehicle behind will crash right into their rear,” Vernon-Thompson said. “Remain at a safe distance and allow the driver in front to drive without the anxiety of seeing how close you are in their rearview mirror.”

She added that if someone were to strike your vehicle from behind while you were tailgating, you would also almost certainly rear-end the car in front of you as well. Avoid this double whammy situation.

“When it comes to being a courteous driver it’s important to follow the rules of the road,” Gottsman echoed. “Rather than tailgating someone who is going slower than you prefer, change lanes and get around them when it’s safe to do so. Keep a safe distance so you can stop safely if the vehicle in front of you suddenly puts on their brakes.”

Just as you shouldn’t tailgate someone who is driving too slowly, you should also avoid being that driver who is seemingly ignoring the speed limit and surrounding vehicle movement.

“Go with the flow of traffic and don’t go too slow,” Gottsman advised.

Even if the person behind you is dangerously tailgating you, that doesn’t mean you should slow down further. Try to let them pass and do your best to keep up with the flow of traffic.

“Avoid doing anything unsafe to ‘prove a point’ such as driving extra slow or tailgating,” Humbert said.

“Do not play your music so loudly that everyone around you feels their ears are about to blow due to the level of the volume,” Vernon-Thompson said. “Other drivers should not be adversely subjected to your music.”

She added that it’s even worse when your music is not only loud but also filled with profanity and other offensive language. Keep in mind that your favorite songs are not necessarily appropriate for families with young children around you.

“Stop littering,” Smith said. “It is surprising, and often disgusting, what people will toss out their car windows.”

Littering is not only rude, it also tends to be illegal. So if you don’t want to be fined, keep your trash in your car until you reach a proper receptacle.

“Avoid distractions such as putting on makeup, texting, eating or watching a video,” Gottsman advised. “Be attentive and aware of an unexpected situation. Keep focused on the road instead of your cell phone.”

Paying attention is crucial while driving ― not just from a courtesy perspective but for the safety of yourself and everyone around you.

“If you must use your phone, be sure it is hands-free,” Vernon-Thompson said. “No texting! That is the master of distraction while driving. Etiquette protocols call for you to remain alert and consider what happens around you to ensure you will be able to quickly react or even avoid, if possible.”

Humbert emphasized that “not using turn signals to communicate with other drivers” is both a rude behavior and a violation of traffic laws.

Expecting everyone else on the road to read your mind and know when you plan to make a move is a recipe for an accident.

“Use your turn signals when changing lanes and turning,” Gottsman urged.

“Avoid stealing someone’s parking spot who is waiting with their signal on,” Humbert said.

If another driver is patiently waiting for another vehicle to pull out of a parking place, you should not swoop in to take the spot as soon as the other car leaves.

“Hostile language, yelling or hand gestures have no place behind the wheel,” Mitchell said. “These actions escalate situations and create unsafe conditions. Keep your composure ― don’t let someone else’s behavior take you out of character. It can result in accidents, unfortunately sometimes fatal.”

Avoid flipping off other drivers or honking your horn excessively, even if you think it’s justified. It’s not worth the risk of finding out how volatile the other person might be.

“You never know who you are expressing anger toward,” Vernon-Thompson said. “They just may have reached the end of their rope and you were just the absolute last straw. Don’t take traffic errors and careless driving by other drivers personally. If a driver does something that upsets you, remain calm, focus forward, and move forward. Your goal is to reach your destination without incident ― be patient, give grace, and drive safely.”

“It’s surprising how many drivers fail to pull over for emergency vehicles or miss basic signs and signals,” Mitchell said. “Etiquette begins with awareness. Stay informed and alert.”

If there’s an ambulance or fire truck with lights and sirens activated, you need to let them pass you. Imagine how you would feel if it were your home on fire or your medical emergency.

“Move to the side for emergency vehicles or come to a complete stop when appropriate,” Gottsman advised.

“Your high beams are for dark roads and when no one is coming toward you or are behind you,” Gottsman said.

Don’t drive with your high beams on when you’re surrounded by other cars. This behavior is not only rude, but it can also blind and distract other drivers, potentially leading to accidents.

It’s not just your fellow motorists you need to be mindful of while driving. Pay attention to the people walking outside as well.

“Follow the crosswalk rules,” Gottsman advised. “Allow pedestrians to have the right of way.”