Top 5 Driving Courtesies (plus a bonus)

As Sunday night wanes and the dreaded anticipation of Monday begins, the realization that driving will be involved rears up to face you in the mirror. You know -- that look you give yourself over the washbasin or sink as you're brushing your teeth and washing your face before bed. The one which, if work is what you're going to be doing when you wake up, steels you to the week ahead.

Part of my week involves driving. Driving son to camp or school; driving down from there to work; driving back up from work at the end of the day. Repeat daily as required.

With all that driving, I see some pretty crazy things. Bad fashion. Bad drivers. Cyclists with a death wish. Bus drivers confused over the whole right-of-way by-law and just how much justified power it does or does not give them on the roads.

So in honour of an impending Monday morning, I give you my list of Top 5 Driving Courtesies (Top 5 with a bonus!):

#5: Signal Your Intentions
We all learned it in Driver's Ed. Check where you want to go by looking quickly in that direction, check your rear view mirror, check your side mirrors, check your blind spot ... all while using those handy dandy directional signals. You know the ones. The lever is right beside your steering wheel (attached, no less) and generally makes this lovely clicking sound when engaged.

Small reminder: put your directional signal ON before doing any of the following:
(a) changing lanes
(b) parking, or pulling into a parking spot -- whether on the street or in a lot.

#4: Develop a Little Bit of Aggression
You're in the left turn lane. You have your signal going. It's morning rush hour, and there is a long line of people waiting to make the turn. Oh yeah -- and there is no advance green.

Suggestion: if you find yourself part way into the intersection on the orange, and you can do it, just go. Really. The people behind you will thank you.

#3: Bikers, Watch Yourselves
Just a wee reminder for those cyclists out there. You are squishy. And you are mortal. If you hit a car (or a vehicle hits you) with enough force, you will die -- or suffer painfully in hospital for an extended stay.

With that in mind, #3 on my list -- Bikers, remember to actually LOOK before cutting into a lane. Oh, and a two-fer here ... Bikers, remember to wear your helmets. Especially when cutting off a minivan in traffic. It's important to save your brain, even if you've broken every other bone in your body.

#2: Open Doors With Caution
Before you get out of your newly parked vehicle on the street, check your rear and/or side mirrors for oncoming traffic. Unless, of course, you really want to replace that door. In which case please, by all means, continue to open your door wide into approaching traffic.

#1: Tailgating
Don't do it. It's dangerous at high speeds, and freakin' annoying no matter what. I don't care that you have a slick ride. I don't care that you feel you have to show off to your significant other, desired or real. I don't care that you're in a rush. What do I care about is the extent to which you are pumping up my stress level wondering whether or not your front bumper is going to kiss my back one.

Be forewarned. When annoyed by tailgaters, I have a habit of braking. Suddenly. And blocking two lanes. Just to piss you off.

And now, a final bonus ...

Thank You's ARE Important
Did someone let you into their lane of traffic when nobody else would? Say thank you. Nod, wave your hand, smile. Whatever works for you. But the key here is to acknowledge the courtesy of others with politeness and a thank you of some kind.

What are your pet driving courtesy peeves? Feel free to share!