“Everything in life is somewhere else, and you get there in a car”
E.B White
Congratulations! So, you finally got your hands on that brand-new shiny automobile, with your hard-earned money. But before you hit the highway, you must understand that buying a car would not prepare you for the road. Like any life setting, driving may seem like an insignificant activity, but a well-rounded gentleman is well-behaved, even when behind the wheel. On the road, good manners are equal to safety. So, acquiring good driving etiquette ensures your safety. Here is an archetypical code of conduct for men who have just started driving, this will clear the air around the age-old question — How to drive like a gentleman?
Know your car well
A gentleman is always well-informed. This may be our presumption, but most men never refer to the user manual of their vehicle. No matter how shrewd, or proficient you are, every machine requires some specialized knowledge to operate it efficiently. Similarly, every car is built differently, and you need to be well-equipped with the fundamentals and specifications of your vehicle. Start by reading the car’s user manual to understand every small but important feature of your automobile. As soon as you are up to date with the vehicle’s functioning, you will act like a mature and responsible driver on the road.
Leave early stay safe
Most road accidents are a result of rushing and reckless driving. Your judgment becomes murky when you are in a hurry to reach your destination. Responsible driving is the key to making the world a better place. Leaving early ensures you are in control of your driving and making wise decisions. Always leave at least 10 minutes earlier than your scheduled time. It is easy, refer to Google Maps for an estimated time of arrival and add 10 minutes to it. This will ensure that you avoid any unexpected delays on your way.
Road rules are a must
The first step towards the transition into a gentleman is becoming a law-abiding citizen. Be sure you are aware of the road rules and never break them. We assume that since you have a driving license, you would have learned about these rules during your assessment. Some of the rules are basic but are quintessential, like:
- Always wear a seat belt.
- Follow traffic lights.
- Never drink and drive.
- Always use indicators while turning.
- Know about road signs and respect them.
- Do not drive on the wrong side in a one-way lane.
No overspeeding, at any cost
We agree that you have bought a mean machine with a 100,000 CC engine, which can go from 1-100KMPH in less than 1 second (of course it’s an exaggeration) but still, the road is not a racing track, and under no circumstance, you are allowed to break the speed limit. A gentleman always drives well under the speed limit, this helps him stay in control and avoid any mishap even in an adverse state. When your car is running at a manageable speed, you are much safer, even if people mock you for driving at a moderate speed. You do not need to prove your masculinity by racing other cars on the road. If someone wants to overtake, let them. This would not make you any less of a man, period. A gentleman is known to maintain his composure during tough times, even if you are running late, understand your one careless move can cost someone a life or a lifelong disability.
Stay in your lane
Lane driving is no rocket science, it is basic driving etiquette. Lane crashing is the most common mistake by many drivers, especially in India. Do not be like them, stay in your lane and only overtake at permitted lanes. Now, you could present the argument that the majority of people do not follow their lane, and this is what will make you a distinguished gentleman. Driving in your lane ensures that you are not blocking the road for other vehicles.
No honking, please
You are not supposed to honk at every tom, dick, or harry on the road. The horn in your car is for special purposes, like alerting a pedestrian or grabbing the attention of others for a hazard. Pressing your horn incautiously would not miraculously clear the road. We have all come across a dimwit who would start honking in a traffic jam hoping to supernaturally move ahead of everyone, do not be like him. A gentleman is calm and patient, he understands that a traffic jam is an anomaly and he should not be losing his cool.
Avoid road rage at all costs
Every year, thousands of people either lose their lives or get severely injured in road rages. There are many idiots, breaking rules, left, right, and center shamelessly but you do not need to straighten them. People who break rules are dangerous and uncivilized. Unless they are harming you or your family directly, do not engage in an argument or fight. The best way to win a fight is to keep away from it as much. You may feel weak or infuriated by not giving a befitting reply to the fool who scratched your car or dented your bumper but trust us a broken car is much better than a broken bone or jaw. Even if you end up getting involved in a fight, inform the authorities, and call the police immediately.
The road toward greatness starts from acting morally in every situation. Being a gentleman on the road is as important as being a gentleman in a room. Once you imbibe these driving etiquettes in your life, you will be respected amongst your peers and stay safe in the most adverse situations.
