Xennial Parents - are you teaching these things?
Posted by ReferToMeAsDonald@reddit | Xennials | View on Reddit | 187 comments
I don’t know about yall, but I was taught these road rules by my boomer parents. I have made it seem very important to my genZ kids that they follow these:
- Wave when being allowed to change lanes in traffic
- Apologetically wave when you cut someone off
- Give a “you’re welcome” wave after you let someone in
- Warn oncoming drivers of speed traps by flashing your lights. Flash once per car you encounter for a mile or so.
So, you guys follow these rules? Are you teaching your kids? What rules did I miss?
Difficult_Leg_4615@reddit
No I don’t do any of that shit, I live in a city.
UndisturbedInquiry@reddit
I stopped flashing my lights for two reasons.. Waze is a thing now.. and maybe just my old man opinion, but maybe they deserve that ticket for going 80 in a 45..
cocococlash@reddit
There was some (hopefully) urban legend about gang initiation and flashing lights at them would make them come kill you. So like I lift my feet over train tracks, I don't flash.
fer_sure@reddit
I swear that rumor must have been started by traffic cops.
Adventurous_Pin_344@reddit
Not an old man opinion. I agree wholeheartedly!
ScorpioMagnus@reddit
I would flash my lights for a road hazard, like a deer or something, but not for a speed trap.
cocococlash@reddit
There was some (hopefully) urban legend about gang initiation and flashing lights at them would make them come kill you. So like I lift my feet over train tracks, I don't flash.
poit57@reddit
The only time I ever heard anything like #4 mentioned was when I was in high school, and it was presented as some secret code when police cruisers would wait in parking lots at lunch between the high school and the road where a lot of restaurants were. I've never heard of adult drivers flashing lights for this sort of thing.
Humphalumpy@reddit
Same. I never flash lights unless someone is driving at dusk without lights and I almost didn't see them.
seanymphcalypso@reddit
Sometimes I would love to flash a warning to other drivers about a speed trap but two things stop me. One, I have auto lights and I would be sufficiently distracted from the road by navigating the screen to “flash” my lights. Two, they’re really only going to logistically going to get one vehicle pulled over and it’s very likely going to be the one they’re actually waiting for.
But if I’m in my son’s car absofuckinglutely I’ll give that warning. Fuck the popo. (Sorry little bro, but fuck you and your badge too 🫶)
NachoNachoDan@reddit
I live in a tourist town and before I flash the lights I look at the license plate. Not local? Slow the fuck down or pay up, we could use the money.
BillyGoat_TTB@reddit
totally agree on the second part
Ube_Ape@reddit
I don't flash my lights because I remember the Urban Legends of flashing your lights at cars and getting chased and killed by crazy "fill in the blank" 😂
Obviously fake but haven't tested it yet and don't plan to. I've mentioned these to my kids but one thing I'm really trying to impress to them (and have to reteach myself) is to use my turn signal every time and to avoid honking unless there is a reason not just to signal that I think the other driver is an idiot.
closhedbb80@reddit
I teach my kids “Be predictable, not courteous”. I don’t mean to not be courteous, but drive predictably. Maintain consistent speed, follow the law, and don’t do unexpected things to give others the right of way. If you have the right of way, use it and get on with it.
AND STAY AS FAR TO THE RIGHT AS YOU CAN EXCEPT FOR PASSING.
ReferToMeAsDonald@reddit (OP)
Yes. I love the “don’t give up your right of way” corollary. I hate it when people wave me ahead when it’s their turn.
art_decorative@reddit
It infuriates me when people try to out polite me while driving. If we all just follow the rules, it works just fine, we don't need this extra nonsense
arcxjo@reddit
cough zipper merge cough
opheliainwaders@reddit
Honestly everyone rags on NY drivers but we ROCK a zipper merge. 8 lanes into 2 for the Holland tunnel, like a goddamn breeze.
Logical_Two5639@reddit
EXACTLY 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
amopdx@reddit
Exactly, it’s not always nice to be polite, instead be predictable by following the rules of the road.
arcxjo@reddit
And they're sitting in a truck that takes up the lane I need to drive into, and using high beams at noon so I couldn't safely continue anyhow.
MattAU05@reddit
Lawyer here and I have more than a few cases where wrecks were caused by people “waving” others in. It’s highly dangerous, and it blows my mind people sometimes do it when there are multiple lanes of traffic. As if they can control all the other cars.
amopdx@reddit
I almost hit an ambulance (not with its lights on or anything) on a busy highway the other day because another car in a nearby lane was waving them through. I didn’t see them until they were nearly pulling out in front of me going 35. Thankfully, they stopped just in time, and I was able to swerve partway into the lane to my right to avoid a crash. I was in the center lane of a 3-lane road — really made me realize how dangerous it can be to wave someone through when you can’t see all the traffic.
Ranch_Priebus@reddit
Man I just commented on how this happens all the time on multiple lane highways in New England. Drives me nuts. Have to slam on your brakes at high speed on a busy road cause the walnut driving in front of you or a lane over decides to wave another car across.
knotalady@reddit
Men do this to me all the time, and I hate it. It's not polite. It's an unnecessary delay. Just go so I can go, and we can all move on from this awkward stalemate.
Yellow_Curry@reddit
This drives me crazy in a big city. Stop being nice. Be predictable instead.
Krazylegz1485@reddit
Yep. And it's even worse when you're a truck driver. People will wave you on like they're doing you a favor, only to then ride your ass for a mile because it takes that long to get up to speed with a fully loaded dump truck.
No I don't want to go in front of you, just go already and get the fuck out of my space. Haha.
NewsgramLady@reddit
This is one of my biggest fucking pet peeves. Really common in rural areas because people think they're being nice. It's maddening.
Zerkcie@reddit
It happens all the time in the rural area I live in. If it’s your turn just fucking go!!
OldPros@reddit
I'm with you. The rules of the 4 way stop seem to be lost on most.
Striking-Access-236@reddit
Worst is, as pedestrian when you have right of way and cars slowing down expecting a prize or thank you wave…it’s my right for you to stop here, so no wave or thank you…
Snoo_72467@reddit
The right of way is not something one has, but something that you yield to others.
"I HAVE the right of way" is the worst mentality that makes for the worst and most dangerous drivers.
I don't think I disagree with you or the above, and I absolutely love the notion of "drive predictably".
silverkeys84@reddit
Likewise! I swear, they taught a whole generation of us to basically pretend right-of-way doesn't exist, producing a veritable army of hesitant drivers. Like, I wasn't going to t-bone this guy just because he's turning in front of me, we didn't need these naggy reminders to altogether just ignore right-of-way, which is essential to safe, efficient, and predictable traffic behavior.
NachoNachoDan@reddit
If someone tries to let me in or otherwise give up their right of way for me I shake my head and don't accept it. Teaching my newly minted driving teenager the same. Follow the rules, not what some yahoo other driver is trying to tell you to do.
closhedbb80@reddit
Same! Huge pet peeve of mine. It takes more time for the other driver to realize what is going on and react than if the person with the right of way had just gone.
de_propjoe@reddit
100%. It’s not safe, especially for pedestrians who are following the rules! I’ve almost been hit multiple times as a pedestrian because of people doing this.
arcxjo@reddit
FYI if there are 3 lanes normal traffic keeping up the speed limit is supposed to travel in the middle lane. The right is for slow-moving traffic like those trucks that carry log cabins.
CatsEqualLife@reddit
I have an intersection I have to go through everyday on my way to work that causes this. The cross traffic for me in the morning has right of way (2-way stop). People turning from the cross traffic therefore have right of way. I’m going to say 3/5 weekdays, some moron in the center sits there, waiving and waiting for me to turn. I’m like, fuck, no. I’ll be late for work before I’m the unpredictable driver.
Adventurous-Main5620@reddit
We drive like savages in So Cal. I am often being tailgated going 75 in the fast lane. And people are CONSTANTLY looking down at their phones! So annoying!
Greerio@reddit
I’m not sure if you mean this or not, but follow the rules of the road. Waving to thank someone, great. Waving for someone to go first at an all way stop when they don’t have the right of way? Sure, but if there’s an accident, it’s now your fault.
closhedbb80@reddit
I mean don’t wave someone through if you have right of way. Following the rules is the most courteous thing you can do because other drivers can accurately anticipate what you will do. Traffic flows fastest when there are no surprises or a need to figure out what another driver is doing whether they think they are being nice or not.
Greerio@reddit
I agree. But there’s always someone that does it trying to be courteous. I see pedestrians do it too. My first thought is always, is we all follow the rules…
Ranch_Priebus@reddit
Omg the giving up right of way thing. My parents taught me to drive predictable, and it really drives me nuts when others don't. To the point I try to be a predictable pedestrian. Yesterday, I watched a pregnant woman with a stroller stand at a crosswalk starting at her phone while three different cars stopped, then decided to drive on when she didn't make a move. Finally, she just starts pushing the stroller into the street without looking up from her phone, someone has to slam on their brakes and she's all offended cause she has the right of way! Lady, you're putting yourself, your child, and unborn baby at risk at a minimum. What the hell?
Anyway, people in New England will slam on the brakes going 55 on a 4 or 6 lane road to let someone turn left from oncoming traffic, no guarantee the other one or two lane are going to see anything or stop. They've got these somewhat restricted access highways with businesses on either side. Like, fine if you're on a two lane road with a 30 mph speed limit and little traffic and you're letting someone pull into a parking or their driveway. At least with two planes you block the rest of traffic going your direction and the speed aren't high enough to make suddenly stopping a problem for those behind you. But they do it on this big, busy highways too and it absolutely drives me nuts. You know it's going to happen just about everytime you drive, problem is, you never know when.
shrimp-and-potatoes@reddit
I like that. I just tell them to drive "aggressively defensive." Watch the cars in front of the cars directly in front of you. Follow their brake lights. Don't ride asses. Don't trust double yellow lines, always be expecting someone trying to cut across lanes. Look for faces when approaching stopped cars on side streets, if they aren't looking at you, they probably don't know you are there. Don't drive when you are upset or distracted. Always be early so you aren't racing somewhere. Etc.
International_Bit478@reddit
A million percent all of this.
toasterb@reddit
As someone who regularly cycle commutes, this is my number one ask of drivers. Being predictable keeps me safe. If you unexpectedly stop to let me in, I can’t count on the driver coming the other direction to do the same.
brieflifetime@reddit
Omg the number of times I've yelled at cars as a pedestrian that they don't know what I need and to drive their car is ridiculous. Don't come to a screeching stop because I exist. You're making everything around me more dangerous because the cars behind you can't see me and I'm not trying to cross anyway. Drive! Predictably!
randomguy3948@reddit
This is correct. There are rules for driving. Follow them and most of the time you won’t need to wave to anyone.
moles-on-parade@reddit
Congratulations, you're a better driver than 95% of everyone I see on the road. Thank you for instilling those habits in the next generation! It gives me hope.
yathrowaday@reddit
I live in Florida. The amount of times I've grumbled behind my wheel "Rechtsfahren, Cocksucker!" on I75... my long hauls are up to Wisconsin.
If America could have the commitment to building good/wide highways of Georgia and the "keep-right" of Kentucky... we could have the fucking Autobahn. (No speed limit, but a hard keep right law.)
closhedbb80@reddit
I lived in Germany for three years and got completely spoiled by the excellent driving on the Autobahn. Coming back to the US and driving on our interstate was extremely frustrating.
yathrowaday@reddit
I-57 through Southern Illinois or I-39 through Northern Illinois ... whyTF can't I drive my Dodge Charger at 85-90 MPH?
811545b2-4ff7-4041@reddit
Being British, this is all normal driving behaviour. Also including - various other ways of saying thank you to other drivers (e.g. the raised finger from the steering wheel) and a quick flash of the lights.
While I don't have the Fuck the Police rule generally (ours are a bit more friendly than those in the US) I will alert drivers to Police speed vans.
Grand-Shop-9873@reddit
When i don't get a thank you wave when I've CLEARLY let someone in, it makes me so friggin angry. Why are they not saying thank you!?
amopdx@reddit
My oldest will be 15 in August, nervous to start driving with them.
Anyone else remember being told not to flash your lights at other cars in the 90s?
Supposedly had to do something with a gang initiation, the reasoning we were told is that gang members purposefully drive with their lights off and if you flash them they will go and shoot you. Looking back this seems like more of an urban legend, but I definitely took it at face value for years (I still am hesitant to flash my lights at anyone)
GrizzlyAdam12@reddit
Zipper merge
Kade7596@reddit
sure looks ideal as a concept
works for a horde of AI-driven cars, but... humans?
never looks like this
it looks like everyone in the closing lane doing 80 in a 60 to get ahead of 'the backup' (caused by people doing what they're doing), then slowing down very suddenly at the merge point and squeezing into one car length of space
GrizzlyAdam12@reddit
It’s easily solved. The folks at the front of the line need to give space to the drivers in the passing lane. That’s the key to the zipper merge.
But, most drivers are passive aggressive (the “I don’t want to lose to the driver who’s passing me” mentality).
Sad_Lynx_5430@reddit
No. I can't see in most other cars so I assume they can't see me.
Apprehensive_Hat8986@reddit
I stopped waving after defensive driving courses. A wave can be construed as a go-ahead, potentially buying liability. Also, they can be seen wrong and taken as an offensive gesture. (Happened to my pops while driving ambulance. He waved thanks and guy called up to complain about being given the finger. 😑)
I'll teach my kids road behaviour, and what they may see from other people, but also not to give hand gestures to others on the road.
And flashing high-beams is out too, because there are other people who will take it as other meaning.
The one I continue with, is on the highway I'll flash lights for a long vehicle that's passed me to let them know when they're clear to merge back in. But I drive slow and draft trucks to save fuel.
Desperate-Skirt-8875@reddit
💯 yes
New_Needleworker_473@reddit
Nope. Keep your focus on the road and your own driving. Follow the traffic laws and watch for idiots. Assume everyone is distracted driving and NO ONE is paying attention. Assume everyone is a terrible driver. Always check everything twice, especially your mirrors. Always signal in traffic. Do not Assume the person waving to you to go has actually checked to make sure it is safe. Sit tight. Be patient. Follow the damn rules. And never ever do anything while driving. I don't care if the station you are streaming via Bluetooth to your speakers needs to be changed....wait until you stop at a light or stop sign to change it. Do not eat. Do not text. Do not take your eyes off the road. If someone waves, smile. Do not gesture. People misinterpret your gestures and can become aggressive. If you think you are being followed make left turns until you have gone full circle. If they're still behind you, drive to a police station. Do not go home. If you become agitated, pull over somewhere safe, calm down and get your head on straight before getting back on the road. Better late than dead. If you are worried about being late always schedule yourself to be 20 minutes early to save your stress. Don't forget, no one is paying attention when they drive and everyone drives like an idiot.
Opening-Reaction-511@reddit
Oh oh. TEACH YOUR KIDS THE FKIN ZIPPER MERGE!!!! IT IS THE PROPER WAY TO MERGE.
Thank you.
zoominzacks@reddit
But if I let them in at the merge point THEY’VE WON!!!! And we can’t have that
Kade7596@reddit
It's when we get over early and then see people doing 20mph over the speed limit to get to the merge point that upsets us 'get over earlier' folks. When you can get over, get over & get in line. Don't suddenly jump in and slow down the entire lane behind you that's going to remain open.
Adventurous_Pin_344@reddit
No one should get over earlier. It fucks the whole system up!!
Kade7596@reddit
depends on the volume of traffic, but going as fast as you can in 'the open lane' (which you know is closing) to the merge point only to abruptly and dangerously slow & get into the continuing lane fucks up the system just as much or more
zoominzacks@reddit
The funny part is the “get over early” crowd also helps defeat the purpose of the zipper merge and leads to longer backups. 2 equal lines with cars leaving space and merging like the teeth of a zipper.
I was just in a backup in I40 heading into North Carolina yesterday. There were semis blocking the left lane forcing people to get over to the right a couple miles in advance. It sucked
Kade7596@reddit
that's why the zipper merge looks great on paper but never works in reality... humans are involved ;| wherever you merge, just don't be the "race ahead, then slam on the breaks and cut in" person, nobody likes that person
Adventurous_Pin_344@reddit
I start yelling as soon as I see it's a zipper merge "DRIVE UNTIL THE POINT OF MERGE! DRIVE UNTIL THE POINT OF MERGE!" Bay Area drivers were pretty good about the zipper merge. Denver drivers SUCK at it.
BulldMc@reddit
But you shouldn't be in the left lane to begin with, should you? So how to you zipper if everyone's already to the right?
Opening-Reaction-511@reddit
I mean I'm passing all the idiots who lined up a mile early, so left lane is appropriate. Also merging isn't always left to right?
PlauntieP@reddit
Just had a conversation with my 22 yo about how it’s so annoying when people don’t respect the zipper merge and he agreed. His friend was like “what’s the zipper merge?”. THIS IS THE PROBLEM, younger people don’t know what it is!
Opening-Reaction-511@reddit
Yes people act like you're being an asshole for not sitting in a mile long line for no reason creating MORE of a back up
Dramatic-Dark-4046@reddit
Left lane is for passing, don’t camp in the left lane.
MeanAnalyst2569@reddit
I don’t get this one. If no one drives in the left lane (except to pass) then the right lane becomes more congested.
ASingleThreadofGold@reddit
Found the left lane camper, ya'll!
In reality, in heavy traffic, the left lane will eventually become congested with those folks attempting to pass.
This is about when traffic is moving pretty normally and isn't rush hour style crawling at a slower pace because of the sheer volume.
MeanAnalyst2569@reddit
Yeah I live in Tampa. Roads are always congested.
ASingleThreadofGold@reddit
Well then the don't camp in the left lane isn't really going to apply to that situation, now is it?
MeanAnalyst2569@reddit
No need for condescending tone. It’s just traffic. Not that serious
BulldMc@reddit
That's usually what people complain about lately. People who don't use both lanes, thus scientifically slowing traffic overall.
Turbulent-Pea-8826@reddit
I hate this. The left lane is so much more complicated and people boil it down to this which confuses people.
This doesn’t apply to surface streets. Not even to all highways. It is good for interstates.
My town transitions from an interstate where this holds true to a highway with lights. People still try to drive it like the interstate and lose their shit if you get in the left lane. I have to turn left at the next light AHole so I need to get in the left lane.
Also, rush hour traffic. Once the right lanes became clogged I am going to move to the left if they are going faster. Flashing your lights and honking at me makes zero fucking sense when there are 50 cars ahead of me bumper to bumper.
kymreadsreddit@reddit
This is fine - UNTIL you hold up traffic by slowing down to get back into the right lane to make your exit/turn. That is infuriating.
Dramatic-Dark-4046@reddit
This is for highway driving. Of course on streets with lights, intersections and turn lanes, this doesn’t make sense.
Turbulent-Pea-8826@reddit
I have been in enough arguments on Reddit and experienced idiots IRL though that not everyone gets it.
_R_A_@reddit
When I lived in TN, it was common for two people to each go at least 5 mph below the speed limit side by side.
Drove me crazy.
AlienMoodBoard@reddit
Just say “NO!” To Left Lane Loafing!
Unit_79@reddit
This is no place for loafers! Can you see that I am serious?
nightforevermore@reddit
Join me or die! Can you do any less??
boywonderrrrrrrrrr@reddit
It’s the law most places, but unfortunately not in California.
ReferToMeAsDonald@reddit (OP)
Yes. Absolutely. It’s difficult in my city because there are a LOT of “exit left”s here, but outside city limits definitely
LeakyBumbershoot@reddit
I also taught them that if you’re going to pull out in front of someone, then you need to GO.
When you get a green left arrow, watch the people going straight during your turn. Some people aren’t paying attention and see their direction’s green arrow and just see green and go.
If you see kids playing in a yard up ahead, slow down. Even if you’re doing the speed limit.
Adventurous_Pin_344@reddit
My spouse's biggest pet peeve is when someone tailgates, so he gets over to let them pass, and then they pull even and then go at the same speed as us. Like, why were you tailing us so aggressively then??
Super_Moose_Rocket@reddit
For the love of Dog. Use your damed turned signal. Easily the number 1 reason I’m cursing at other drivers.
Level_Improvement532@reddit
Number one reason you will be given for being pulled over as well. Religious use of your signals and your seat belt will keep you clear of the law more often than not.
Super_Moose_Rocket@reddit
No seatbelt is a non-starter. Car doesn’t move without everyone buckled.
Adventurous_Pin_344@reddit
Agreed. Also, my car yells at you if you're in the front seats and unbuckled. Annoying, but effective!
jbahill75@reddit
I’m not great on turn signals, but I also follow the rear mirror rule. If I can’t see your whole car in the rear view mirror, it’s not safe to change lanes. If traffic is tight and I have to do it, yeah always signal.
ASingleThreadofGold@reddit
Just do it anyway, my friend. Please! There are so many good reasons to do it and literally no upside to not just using it to signal your intention in every situation.
jbahill75@reddit
Sigh. Fine.
Lazy_Mood_4080@reddit
I think of it as announcing that I have arrived in the new lane of travel.
Signed, I grew up in metro Atlanta in the 90s.
wrenb77@reddit
I joke that some new cars obviously come with a subscription turn signal and the drivers never renewed it after the free trial!
Super_Moose_Rocket@reddit
Like those peloton exercise bikes!
Stevie-Rae-5@reddit
There are so many egregiously bad drivers around me that I wish my biggest gripe was no turn signal.
Super_Moose_Rocket@reddit
I agree. It’s also the easiest to accomplish as a driving task. Simply lift a finger like so and blinky blinky. Then again, some people literally can’t be bothered to lift a finger.
GingerbreadmanCDN@reddit
Agreed. Though that is also giving information to the enemy. /s
Super_Moose_Rocket@reddit
Unfortunately the Darwin award winners in automobiles can take bystanders with them.
Hanksta2@reddit
I had to give that up... just isn't worth mad about anymore. I don't expect people to signal.
flittingly1@reddit
Omg the bane of my existence! If we still had a newspaper, I would write a letter to the editor wondering what people have against blinkers!!! Is your left hand broken? Are you trying to save the lightbulb's battery? Are you too cool? It's one of the most fun things to do when you start driving!! Why stop?!
HBK42581@reddit
I’m way behind in this department. My kids are just getting into elementary school.
ThisNameIsTakenTwo@reddit
I don’t flash lights at other drivers to warn about cops anymore. I used to, but now there is to much else going on that I’m aware of.
Maybe they’re just trying to grab milk in a stupid fast way but….
Perhaps they are also drug runners or human traffickers and by warning them to cops ahead you may be extending the time they have to commit life altering crimes.
Also if they are stupid enough to be speeding at a speed worthy of being pulled over then they deserve it.
BoisterousBanquet@reddit
I've taught him those things. The very first thing I taught him was not to force anything. Need to make a left turn across multiple lanes going both directions and the openings are barely there? Take a right and find a spot to turn around. It's a minute out of your way. Need to take a left at a flashing yellow light but you can't really tell if oncoming traffic is there or not? And the dude behind you is honking? Fuck him. Can't see, don't go.
Still-Base-7093@reddit
I told my kid to think of everyone else on the road as either stupid or trying to kill you. Or both. Be aware of them. Stay away from them. Assume they will do the wrong thing. Pay attention and you'll be ok.
WheelLeast1873@reddit
My kids are very far from driving yet, but they know the lights one already.
Well get there with the others :)
HappyCoconutty@reddit
No. Cause my child is 7. But I do teach her manners and southern hospitality. The adults love it but her peers are confused and don’t reciprocate and she ends up getting her feelings hurt
ShawnaLAT@reddit
My oldest will be getting their license soon. I’ve focused on:
1) Be predictable 2) Know when to have a sense of urgency and when to get/stay out of the way 3) Do not touch the fucking phone under any circumstances if the car is in any gear besides park 4) Assume other people are morons (ex: don’t trust turn signals until you see them actually start to turn, try not to drive right next to someone, stuff like that).
Turbulent-Pea-8826@reddit
No. Too many cars have tinted windows to see if someone is waving. I would rather keep my eyes on the road then wave or to look for a wave.
Drive the way you are supposed to and that is expected. Be kind and Realize people make mistakes and don’t be a douche. I don’t expect waves in return.
Eaglepursuit@reddit
These aren't rules. They are guidelines for polite road use. It's up to the driver whether to follow them or not.
Also, lights should be flashed for any potential hazard, not specifically speed traps.
Use turn signals for lane changes.
Let people merge, even if they drive a BMW or Tesla and clearly raced ahead in an attempt to bypass traffic.
Don't use shoulders or parking lots to bypass traffic.
Be in the lane you need to be in, or the closest adjacent lane, before you need to turn
Accelerate confidently but not aggressively when passing so that you do not end up matching speeds with the vehicle you are passing, blocking the passing lane, and sitting in the blind spot of the vehicle you are passing
Use cruise control (in light traffic) on highways so that your speed is varying so much that it's difficult to pass you.
Daytime running lights should be used in the day. Headlights should be used in precipitation
OuttaFox2Give@reddit
I live by #8 and really appreciate it when a passenger or navigation points this out in advance. My biggest annoyance is with the people who like #9 camp out in your blind spot for ages. Especially on multi lane surface streets. Go faster or slower than me please. I don’t care which it is, just choose one!
lostmybackupcode@reddit
These are good. I especially agree with 6, even though it can be hard to follow someone’s. I’m teaching my kids that the purpose of driving isn’t to teach other people lessons, it’s to get to your destination safely.
RemarkableKey3622@reddit
people just don't know how to merge. every other car. yes, I'm going to wait until the lane ends to merge, otherwise I'm just changing lanes. no, I'm not going to let you block my merge.
_R_A_@reddit
My oldest is about to turn three, so I'm a ways off from teaching driving lessons. That being said, if I'm waving someone it's either because we hit the stop sign at the same time and I'm yielding, or it's the one finger variety. I have been known to give a tail light flash if someone lets me merge, though.
dmc2008@reddit
DO NOT TAILGATE.
And don't let tailgaters pressure you into speeding or changing lanes too quickly. Simply use your blinkers, and move over when it's safe.
MicraMachina@reddit
There are so many things that bother me about the drivers where I live, but this is where I put my foot down. Tailgaters are actively endangering my life when I’m in my small hatchback. I keep a long distance between myself and the car ahead, and expect those behind me to do the same. And I have no shame asking friends to increase their following distance when I’m in their cars. The time for messages to travel from your eyes to brain and back down to your feet isn’t as fast as you think.
Frosty_Cloud_2888@reddit
I know I’m teaching the zipper method for merging but just about everyone else in my state loses their mind around the zipper method.
LindenChariot@reddit
I do all these things, but one habit I’ve changed as a pedestrian is that I no longer wave and break into a little jog when I’m in the crosswalk and cars stop. I proceed at a regular pace. We both have an equal right to the road, drivers aren’t doing me a special favor by following the law and yielding to pedestrians.
Dry_Inspection_4583@reddit
You d I've your car, not everyone else's, don't be so overtly emotional over how everyone else is doing the thing and just drive
ReferToMeAsDonald@reddit (OP)
Good one.
mindsunwound@reddit
ASingleThreadofGold@reddit
I swear to god, the regular beams have been upgraded to high beams and their high beams will give you a sunburn with these newer cars. Plus they all have that godawful white light now instead of the nice yellow that doesn't hurt your eyes as much driving at night. I wish the manufacturers would take it down a notch.
Searchlights@reddit
That's why you always flash your hi beams to warn oncoming proletariat
Exciting_Agent3901@reddit
I don’t care if it makes me sound older than I am but I’m not warning anyone about cops up ahead. If they are driving a legal speed they don’t have to worry. And if they’re not then I hope they do get a ticket.
ReferToMeAsDonald@reddit (OP)
Fair.
Not where I live now, but near where I grew up, there was a town where I got pulled over for doing 36 in a 35. And it was a $50 ticket. I got into the habit of warning people then.
ASingleThreadofGold@reddit
The way folks speed around like they have a permanent child choking in their backseat every time they're in their vehicle has me glad when I see folks pulled over for a ticket. I can't even remember the last time I saw someone pulled over for speeding where I live. So my thoughts on warning others about speed traps have changed. I literally never even see speed traps anymore.
Back in the day when people were getting tickets for pretty benign speeding, sure. But now? They should slow the fuck down.
TK1129@reddit
My kids just learned how to curse from being in the car with me. While it is funny when a 3 year old tries to say “son of a bitch” it doesn’t go over well with preschool
bikeonychus@reddit
I can't drive, but I do everything by bike.
Definitely teaching my kid the 'thankyou' wave when drivers are patient with me - she tried to do it herself the other day on her own bike and nearly fell off (she's new to no stabilisers/training wheels), but I did praise her for good manners.
I'm also teaching her the 'Slow down 20-30 meters from a stop sign, so any cars waiting can go through, so you avoid the bunny-hop of death from people waving you through then losing patience with you' trick too.
Speed cameras are there for a reason, so no, I will not be teaching her that. Her Grandad used to be the guy from the council who would have to review footage of crashes and visit crash sites to write reports on how they can improve road safety, and it affected him quite badly, so yeah, I'm actually pro-speed camera and safety.
spread-happiness@reddit
I've heard from other folks that the waving is regional 🤷 We do it here in the PNW.
prettyminotaur@reddit
Are you from the Midwest? Just curious.
Ineedavodka2019@reddit
If you are at a stop sign and someone honks at you, you DO NOT have to immediately go. Look both ways and make sure it is safe first. No need to get t-boned. Do not engage with road rage. Keep your eyes to the front and pretend you can’t see them when they are trying to start something. Engaging is how you get into an accident or stop. Drive defensively. Never text and drive. Ever. Ever. If you are out and can’t drive home, do not get into the car and drive and do not let someone else that has been partaking drive. Text or call. I’d rather be annoyed than at your funeral.
My husband is in insurance and deals a lot with auto accident claims. Some of the things he’s seen.
Sanchastayswoke@reddit
I was raised like this, and used to do a lot of it, but these days I’d discourage this much waving, tbh. A road rager can easily misinterpret this as other hand gestures & it can escalate quickly.
Stevie-Rae-5@reddit
I teach by example because my kids aren’t driving yet, but yeah, I will definitely be teaching them about waving.
Flashing lights to warn about speed traps? Nah, won’t be doing that.
JediNeo101@reddit
Don't forget the most important one. Never under any circumstance turn on the interior dome light while driving.
CRT_SUNSET@reddit
All those things, though 4 not so much because speed traps are rare these days where I live.
Plus always let a truck driver merge in and let them know by flashing your high beams. They’ll hit the hazards for a sec to say thanks.
PhysicsStock2247@reddit
Winter defensive driving- Easy on the gas, leave twice the room, and approach turns and traffic signals slow and steady. Also, in the winter never let your gas tank get less than half full.
cocococlash@reddit
Defensive driving was the best education. Drives me crazy when people leave no space in front and don't brake until last minute. Like how are you going to escape if a tidal wave is coming up behind you?
NotMe739@reddit
I was taught to never ever wave. Depending on the circumstances a "thanks" wave to car A could be interpreted as a "go ahead" wave by nearby car B or to a nearby pedestrian. That if car B interprets my wave as go ahead and then gets into an accident they could try to hold me liable as they believe I was giving them an all clear for whatever maneuver they wanted to make.
SatoshiBlockamoto@reddit
100%
Chance-Glove1589@reddit
Honestly, I do all of these and am teaching my young kids - except while I used to agree with flashing lights for police (I got in trouble for doing it during driver’s Ed…), there were stories of flashing lights were gang related during college. Probably urban myth but I just stopped doing it. That made me just stop that habit.
However, waving at all times and explaining the right of way rules and merging rules… YES.
zoominzacks@reddit
On freeway on ramps I still hear my dad’s voice after I merged slow my first time “you get your ass in gear down that ramp. If traffic has to slow for you, you fucked up”
TheFeshy@reddit
I live in Florida, so drawing any attention from other drivers - such as by waving, apologetically or otherwise - is a potential way to end up in a news article that starts with "Florida Man" and contains the phrases "road rage" "blood alcohol 3x the legal limit" and "gunfire", or perhaps all three.
Granted, I probably won't teach my kids the same way I was taught - given that my dad basically learned to drive street racing in the Chicago suburbs, and said things like "There's a tropical storm today, so grab your learner's permit and let's go learn to recover from a hydroplane."
DirtRight9309@reddit
I have seen y’all drive and i hope that you’re relying on Driver’s Ed to teach your kids how to drive. please.
Opening-Reaction-511@reddit
I've never heard of 4 and would not know what it meant if someone randomly flashed their lights. My kid is only 4 so we are far from this but 1-3 all sound normal
ProfGoodwitch@reddit
People flash their lights as a warning. Just be aware that up ahead may lie some kind of problem. It might be an accident, traffic jam or something else.
Sometimes I'd like to be able to let people know up ahead is a long delay but there's no way I can tell them they might be stuck for an hour in traffic. 😞
GreenBeardTheCanuck@reddit
Fair warning, #4 is illegal in some places. Check your local laws.
CherryBombO_O@reddit
I told my daughter the other day that if you wouldn't fight the driver physically, don't threaten them with your car. Stay calm with irratic drivers. Breathe.
superschaap81@reddit
I will give a nod and wave if it's WARRANTED. Too many people use it as a "I'm going to do this dickhead move, but I waved, so its ok". I try to flash my lights for people, most of the time to signal they need to turn THEIR'S on, but it's lost on everyone these days it seems.
mackattacknj83@reddit
Hoping they get to live in a place where they don't have to drive that much.
fer_sure@reddit
Waving only makes you feel better. Modern window tinting means they're unlikely to see your wave anyway.
(see also, waving cyclists or pedestrians through at a 4-way stop...I can barely see you, so I'm not taking that chance)
CrimsonYllek@reddit
“Look out for the other guy.” It was a PSA slogan before our time, but it’s the basis of what my parents told me. It means that you can be the absolute best, safest, most predictable driver in the world but you’re still going to end up in an accident with a moron eventually unless you learn to look out for said morons.
I mean things like: when you’re driving through one-way streets expect that somewhere eventually there will be an idiot going the wrong way, or there will be someone who runs the 4-way stop, or someone who doesn’t know how to use the traffic circle. Look at every vehicle with suspicion so you’re not surprised when someone does something they shouldn’t. Don’t hang out right next to another vehicle or in their blind spot. Don’t drive quickly past stopped traffic. Peek down alley ways and perpendicular streets as you pass in case someone is trying to zip across. Don’t put yourself in situations where you have to rely on others to always do the right thing to be safe (good general advice as well). Driving is an active sport, not a passive experience.
Hairy_Ad4969@reddit
Always leave a note!!!!!!!
Kinky-Bicycle-669@reddit
My dad: you're now responsible for driving a 1000+ lb metal death machine, use it wisely because driving is a privilege and not a right.
I took him very seriously and at 39 have a perfect driving record.
OptimistSometimes@reddit
No. I grew up waving for things like lane changes, and then I moved to a different state. Nobody does it here, and it would be super bizarre if I did. Plus I really needed to be more concerned with having my hands on the wheel when I'm dealing with cars moving in and out of lanes.
Think_Profit4911@reddit
The number one thing I’ve been driving into my tween’s head is cell phone use. But I will be teaching him the courtesies as well
Possible-Tangelo9344@reddit
Except the warning about speed traps. Cuz, fuck em.
mesosuchus@reddit
QualityParticular739@reddit
Things I've taught my Gen Z kids about driving:
LA traffic is not for the weak. 😂
frooootloops@reddit
My kids aren’t driving yet, but I hope I’m teaching by example.
Character_Bend_5824@reddit
The one which took me until past 40 to understand is that early merging is sometimes considered more discourteous than timely merging. Rule of thumb seems to be to merge at the sign.
HalfFrozenSpeedos@reddit
4 can get you pulled over and charged in the uk if the cop feels like it or you fail the "attitude" test
few different reasons - including flashing headlights should ONLY be used to alert other road users to your presence to avoid an accident, should not be used to signal other drivers etc...
hind3rm3@reddit
Manual transmission. In the last 20 years my wife and I have only had 2 cars (SUV’s) that were automatic. Both our current cars are manual. Kid learned to drive on manual.
flerchin@reddit
Literally none of these.
LeakyBumbershoot@reddit
I didn’t actively teach them this, but they picked it up from watching me.
chawrawbeef@reddit
I learned it by watching you!
butcher_666@reddit
I can hear this gif
LiGuangMing1981@reddit
Nope.
But then, we don't own a car, so how would I? 😂
Difficult_Cupcake764@reddit
I only flash for a hazard or a deer
stataryus@reddit
I’ve never heard of the flash lighs one.
The rest, absolutely.
LocutusOfBeard@reddit
My biggest one is the ability to understand right of way, and that giving it up is just creating a dangerous situation. You think you are being nice by holding traffic and allowing the driver to turn out. You're not. You're just making things worse. The other car WILL eventually have enough space to turn. Don't worry, no one ever got stuck forever waiting.
I teach my kids about knowing who has the right of way, and that you need to use it when you have it. Don't give it up thinking your being nice. You're just creating a dangerous situation.
lifeat24fps@reddit
Yes you always wave to your audience while singing.
muhredditone@reddit
1: I have girls so I've taught them to give a wave but no smile. A wave and a nod can be okay, but no smile.
ReferredByJorge@reddit
It's hard for me to wave while driving because I'm usually playing Pokemon Go with my free hand. Taking my driving hand off the wheel to wave seems very unsafe.
Allureme@reddit
You named your peepee Pokémon Go?
ilazul@reddit
his pocket monster, if you will
ReferToMeAsDonald@reddit (OP)
😂😂😂
Allureme@reddit
Pull up to the white line
Pull up enough to left the person behind you make the right hand turn.
Gullible_Rich_7156@reddit
LOL…not 2 or 4. 2: Don’t cut people off in the first place-it leads to accidents. 4: I just don’t believe that I have a duty to warn others of police officers running radar and I don’t understand why anyone would. I don’t pay that much attention to speed limits unless I’m in a school zone, work zone, etc…and simply drive as fast as conditions safely allow. If I get pulled over I’ll deal with it, as should anyone else.
Ahshitbackagain@reddit