17-05-2025
The worst driving etiquette offences from horn honking to tailgating
Illustrations by James Yates
It appears that once they start their engines, many drivers instantly forget their road manners, a failing that has contributed to a perceived general decline in road etiquette.
But what exactly is road etiquette? Motoring organisation the Royal Automobile Club (RAC) has referred to it as 'a collection of unwritten road rules that drivers should abide by'. Although they're usually not enforced by law, they are behaviours that can make life more pleasant – and safer – for all.
Since the days when Kenneth More's character in the classic 1953 motoring film Genevieve was the genteel embodiment of charm and affability, the volume of traffic in Great Britain has grown exponentially, from approximately 2 million cars on the road in 1950 to roughly 34 million in 2024. These days, in most cities, even a local school run can seem akin to going into battle against an army of brash, badly behaved commuters.
Additional hazards include kamikaze-like moped drivers ferrying food, pedestrians with the road sense of hedgehogs, superfast scooters and cyclists who refuse to dismount when crossing zebra crossings.
Other drivers to blame
Certainly, the poor standard of other drivers is a perennial concern of motorists, according to the RAC's annual Report on Motoring, together with aggressive behaviour. Each year, it asks drivers which of a list of 20+ motoring topics are of the greatest concern to them (they can select up to four).
The standard of other motorists' driving is consistently a top-four issue (top three before last year), while aggressive behaviour comes a little further down.
Poor manners
While every driver has their own bête noire, most would deplore the following displays of poor road manners:
It seems that too many drivers consider indicating to be optional; it isn't. Not only is it a common cause of frustration, but it can also significantly increase the risk of an accident. Failing to indicate when turning is bad enough, but at motorway speeds, failing to indicate when changing lane can lead to terrible collisions.
Habitual horn honking
Horns should only be used when someone's driving is dangerous; even then, it should only be a short toot. Sustained honking is verging on road rage and is very ill-mannered. Moreover, the Highway Code stipulates that horn use in built-up areas is not permitted between 11:30pm and 7am.
Failure to give way
When driving on a road with parked cars, the right-of-way lies with the driver whose side of the road is clear. Yet, many drivers believe that putting their foot down and getting to the 'problem area' first automatically gives them the right of way, leaving others to do the sensible thing and give way to avoid an accident. Similarly, too few drivers acknowledge that on hills, the vehicle heading uphill has priority.
Tailgating
The practice of deliberately driving too closely behind another vehicle to force them to go faster or change lane is not only extremely rude but also risky. To promote better driving etiquette, one should always maintain a safe following distance, avoid aggressive manoeuvres and remain calm and patient. That said, touching your brakes a few times can be used to warn a tailgater to keep their distance.
As the RAC points out, tailgating is illegal and falls under the offence of driving without due care and attention, making it a careless driving offence.
Speeding
Probably the most inconsiderate act of all. According to road safety charity Brake, excess speed is a factor in one in three fatal road accidents. In addition, Brake points out: 'Speeding traffic can also make our communities noisier and more polluted, discouraging walking and cycling.'
Failing to let cars in and out
As a rule of thumb, it's often said that if everyone lets in one car at junctions and exits, where possible, we'll all get along just fine. Of course, at busy times and when in a rush, etiquette gets forgotten. However, a wave of the hand or an acknowledgement when you've been let out is polite.
Undertaking
Overtaking on the inside lane, is another poor habit that increases the general stress of driving, as well as being a dangerous practice that increases the risks of a road accident should the driver you're overtaking need to change lane, perhaps to exit. Admittedly, it's often done in response to cars hogging the middle lane on motorways, a habit that infuriates other drivers and can slow traffic.
Road responsibilities
Unfortunately, ignorance of the rules of road etiquette is hardly a credible defence as Duncan Dollimore, head of campaigns at Cycling UK, explains. 'Despite sweeping changes made to the Highway Code three years ago, huge numbers of people aren't familiar with their new responsibilities on the road. New rules like junction priority and the hierarchy of road users, which highlight the responsibility each person has to take care and reduce the danger they pose to others, aren't often followed or even known about.'
He adds: 'Being overtaken too closely is a major safety concern for those that cycle and often puts people off from cycling. The Highway Code states that if you're passing someone on a bike, you should give them at least 1.5 metres space while passing and more when overtaking at higher speeds. The new junction priority rules also make it clear that you should not cut across cyclists when you are turning into or out of a junction or changing direction or lane, similar to how you would not turn across the path of another motor vehicle.'
Similarly, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users deserve consideration. For example, the 2022 Highway Code states that if pedestrians have started crossing the road and drivers want to turn into the road, pedestrians crossing have priority, and the traffic should give way to them. It's a rule often flouted, although headphone wearing walkers do sometimes march into the road without bothering to look out for traffic.
Motorcyclists frequently suffer numerous slights from ill-mannered motorists, as Colin Brown, director of campaigns and political engagement at the Motorcyclist Action Group (MAG) explains. 'From using mobile phones and other in car entertainment distractions, to failing to look out for riders filtering between lanes or pulling out into the path of riders having failed to properly look for approaching motorcycles, the list is quite long. But I think the overarching issue is a lack of compassion and respect for riders often shown by drivers.'
While acknowledging that respect is a two way street, he makes a powerful plea for more empathy from drivers. 'What may look like a motorcyclist weaving over the road is often just the rider avoiding near certain catastrophe from hitting a pothole. Filtering is legal and safe when done properly. It does not inconvenience or delay drivers so please give a little space and empathy.' Indeed, MAG runs a campaign called Filter Friendly, which explains this.
Even Kenneth More's genial character in Genevieve lost his temper on the road, and most of us let ourselves down from time to time when driving. Still, it's worth remembering that while courtesy costs nothing, on the road, it might be the most valuable thing we share.
