John Phillips
Com 111
Dr. Etzel
11/24/08

Etiquette & Driving

	Etiquette is a code, which influences the expectations of social behavior. Its purpose is to create a more smooth-running society in which mishaps of any kind are minimal. The behavioral expectations are drawn from what are determined to be cultural norms. Etiquette in its purest form is not a written law, but more of an unspoken rule. In many cases, however, including on the road, etiquette most often consists of the most practical and efficient rules, and for such reasons is backed by the law. When concentrated on driving, the aim of etiquette is to create a sense of uniformity, and predictability in traffic. This allows for more confidence, and of course, less mishaps on the road. In theory, etiquette would remove most every avoidable problem a driver should encounter. However, anybody who has driven a car can tell you this is not so. Not all etiquette can be enforced by the police, and the simple retention of decency is not the strong force that it used to be. The rules of the road are plentiful, and the violations of these rules can be spotted through driving frustrations all over the place.
	A standard vehicle is an immense communication barrier. From a vehicle, all (civil) forms of conversation become far less possible, as do many traditional non-verbals. During the day, it is possible to wave on another driver, or to simply wave in thanks. But in many cases, even the luxury of signing is lost. However, even with these shortcomings, drivers have improvised quite a bit of communicating, done from the most basic car functions. As obvious as this may sound, many drivers seem to have forgotten the significance of the blinker. A simple declaration of the direction you plan to go can eliminate a lot of surprise when the said driver abruptly repositions his or herself among moving traffic. Another personal favorite in the driver-communication arsenal is the horn. While often used as a means of shouting out, the horn can represent many messages, including “Get out of my way”, “Get Moving!” and “Please stop what you're doing, you'll kill us both”. The horn should be used as a last ditch effort, when the use of sight fails the target driver. The flashing of lights is a common tool in driver communication, and can mean many things. In a situation where direct sight of other drivers is unavailable, a swift flash of the high beams can equal out the “go ahead” wave. However, in the targeting of oncoming traffic, the same flashing means to turn your high beams off. Yet again, the same flash from a car behind a driver can serve the same purpose as the horn. A similar method of inter-vehicular communication is the flashing of one's headlights. Should this occur at night, one can usually assume that a driver's headlights are off, and that they are being notified of this. When done in excess from oncoming traffic, this can be an indication of danger, or any reason to slow down. This can include a police speed trap, a deer, a traffic jam, or any road obstruction. This is but a brief description of inter-vehicular communication on the road. The full extent of such communication extends far beyond what was described here.
	 Aside from an accepted model of communication, there are many behaviors on the road which drivers are naturally expected to follow. In many cases, nothing actually mandates these laws, but they are stipulations for a decent flow of traffic. For example, it is expected that slower drivers remain in the right lane. In the event that a slow driver does not get this memo, traffic is faced with slow speeds in more than just one lane, and can only take refuge in the remaining lanes, if there are any available. In its worst outcome, traffic can be faced with the unimaginable, which is a uniform traffic speed that matches the speed limit. An interesting aspect of behavioral rules on the road is merging, combined with a line mentality. In theory, the correct course of action would be to let the merging driver into the tight line of cars. In practice, however, there are many variables which come into play for this scenario. Within this decision making process is a level of respect held for the merging driver. If the driver finds his or herself where they are in an attempt to get ahead of the line, such as a turn only lane, or a shoulder beyond the initial merging point, the passing cars will hold this dear, and bitterly as they speed up to ensure a lack of space for the driver. This line mentality rarely fails, as a hard earned position in line remains an asset topped by very little in American culture. A third guideline in traffic is the considerations necessary for crossing traffic. A general guideline for crossing traffic is that the oncoming vehicles should not be caused to put on their brakes in response to your actions. This is a lovely guideline to preach, but drivers will find it impossible to maintain in all conditions. In cases such as these, it is best that the driver use their best judgment, but the guidelines will often resort to whether or not the vehicle can perform the said maneuver without actually getting hit by a reasonable driver. Accepting behavioral norms such as these allows an understanding between drivers, and allows for more thorough communication.
	Driving etiquette is vital to the confidence, and often wellbeing of drivers everywhere. It provides a sense of uniformity to traffic, and allows for a single harmonic flow of traffic, rather than thousands of individual cars just doing their thing. A system of behaviors as well as communication have been not only established, but mandated in polite driving society. These allow for thorough and effortless cooperation between traffic, and maximal safety on the street. Etiquette within traffic remains true to its goals anywhere else, in that it strives to minimize mishaps, and maximize smooth functioning.