Attention: Well Mannered Drivers Wanted

Road rage is a common term and something most drivers have experienced at some point in time. Some simple rules of etiquette could help solve most road rage problems. Merging is one of the biggest causes of road rage. Maybe if drivers could remember and follow the rules of merging etiquette, the road would be a more pleasant place, or at least have a few less horns blowing and fingers waving.

~Pretty Little Clicking Arrows

There's an amazing device on vehicles called a turn signal. These magical turn signals tell other drivers which direction you wish to go when merging. This gives other drivers the chance to make room for you. If you're uncertain of how to use your turn signals, find your car's manual. Normally, a turn signal can be turned on using a knob or slot machine type handle near your steering wheel.

When using your turn signal, be sure to use the correct one. You have the choice of left or right. When merging to the right, please don't use your left turn signal, and vice versa. Also, once the merge is complete, turn off the signal so other drivers are also aware you are finished merging.

~Plan Ahead

Trying to suddenly merge from the far left to far right lane in rush hour traffic is bound to earn you more than a few honking horns and nasty gestures. Know your exit. If you know your exit is coming up, carefully merge one lane at a time until you're in the correct lane. Don't wait until the last minute to merge.

For people unfamiliar with the area, you may not know your exact exit. The solution, stay in the right lane. This puts you in position to take any exit without the need to merge across multiple lanes. If your exit could be on the left or right and there are more than two lanes, stay in the center lanes. This prevents some merging no matter which side your exit is on.

~Yield

When merging from an off ramp into traffic, yield. Drivers are not required to stop, slow down, or move over for your convenience. This is the equivalent of expecting Black Friday shoppers to let you cut in line because you want to get to the next sale first. The proper etiquette for merging from off ramps is to slow down and possibly stop if you cannot safely merge.

Never expect other drivers to simply move. This is a major cause of accidents. They may not hit you, but their sudden swerve or stop to avoid you may result in a pile up. There is no reason you can't wait. Signal and be patient. Many drivers will slow down and let you merge if they see you're not going to force the issue.

Merging etiquette boils down to safe driving and common sense. If there is a good chance you'll cause an accident, don't merge. Being polite and using common sense will save you more time in the long run. Driving shouldn't be about luck. Follow the rules above to be a safer, well-mannered driver.