Everybody loves their car, and they drive carefully, not because they want to follow the rules but because they are afraid of their car getting hit or scratched.
But some people, either with extra money or a super adrenaline rush, do reckless driving on the road. This puts not only them and their cars in danger but other people, too. Besides careless driving, there are some other things that most drivers do in Pakistan that annoy and frustrate other people on the road.
So here is a short guide on how not to drive like a maniac and follow proper rules so people don’t curse!
Don’t Honk Needlessly
Needless honking is the most foolish act a driver can commit. It shows that the driver behind the wheel is illiterate and lacks road ethics.
For your information, the horn is only used in emergencies. You can use it to alert another driver who may not see you, like when they’re drifting into your lane or about to collide with your vehicle, or you can honk to warn pedestrians who may not see you during a road crossing.
Honking when traffic is slow or at a standstill, especially if everyone is already aware of the situation, is a stupid act. Honking at the car in front of you when the light turns green can be impatient and is generally seen as rude. The other driver will surely curse you in that situation.
So, remember, only use your horn when there’s a real emergency and a risk of collision; otherwise, don’t use it in normal conditions.
Don’t Drive with a Turtle Speed on the Main Road
While there may be legitimate reasons to drive slowly (such as heavy traffic, bad weather, or road conditions), if everything is going fine and you’re the only one going slow, like at 20 km/h, while the whole traffic is moving at 50-70 km/h speed because you’re busy on your phone or looking on the other side of the road, this is bad.
Other drivers may not expect someone to be going so slowly when traffic is moving well. This inconsistency will cause the other person to brake hard and make a sudden lane change, which frustrates and annoys them. So, don’t be the reason for someone’s frustration, and drive properly on the road with the flow of traffic. If you need to slow down, move to the service road.
Drive in a Proper Lane
On the main road, you’ll see three lances and 3 of them are targeted at different drivers. Here’s a quick and short explanation:
- 1st lane: This is for slower-moving vehicles like rickshaws and chingchis. Overtaking is strictly prohibited here.
- 2nd lance (middle one): This lane balances speed and safety, allowing for smoother traffic flow and is ideal for vehicles traveling at the speed limit. Overtaking is not allowed here, either.
- 3rd lane (next to the barrier): This lane is used primarily for overtaking. If a vehicle behind you asks for overtaking if you’re in this lane, you must give way. Driving slowly in this lane is strictly prohibited.
Don’t Involve in Road Rage
Imagine cruising along, minding your business, when suddenly a driver cuts you off or tailgates you aggressively. Annoying, right? But reacting with anger only escalates things. Instead, avoid common road rage triggers. Don’t tailgate for the revenge. Avoid making rude gestures, no matter how tempted you are.
If someone’s cutting lanes recklessly, let them go; it’s not worth the hassle. Also, when you drive, stick to your lane and follow the speed limit to prevent annoying others. And if someone else is acting like a maniac, stay cool. Staying calm not only keeps you safe but also prevents needless arguments and dangerous situations on the road.
It’s only your ego that will recover if you take revenge on a reckless driver; otherwise, it’s not worth it in any way! That reckless driver will sooner or later get their car hit and scratched, and they’ll learn the lesson through karma.
