Are others driving you to honk?
QUESTION: Any road rules that we need to know? Now that people are back on the streets, they are in a hurry to get somewhere. I have had several near accidents with people jumping in front of me or speeding around me. Can we remember to drive with good manners? Should I continue to honk my horn when they are in my way?
CALLIE'S ANSWER: Some people are horn people, and some people are not. I'm a horn person when it comes to getting someone's attention. The issue here is people are not paying attention. They're on their phones, and it is dangerous for everyone on the road. Put your phone away and focus on driving!
LILLIE-BETH'S ANSWER: Your suggestion to drive with good manners is a good one! It starts with all of us paying full attention while driving. Maybe we're all out of practice, or we're even more distracted than usual. I don't see a problem with a short honking of the horn to let someone know that you are there and they are about to cut you off, or to get their attention quickly. Just be cautious yourself and make sure you're fully engaged on the road so you can avoid the drivers who aren't.
On another note, I have also noticed more frustration among drivers even more recently with the stoplights at many intersections being out due to the recent Oklahoma ice storm's power outages. People can't seem to figure out when to go through an intersection without a stoplight, and it has led to stalled waits or everyone dangerously going at once. (I looked up the U.S. Department of Transportation's rules so we could all have a refresher: The first one to stop at an intersection is the first one to go. If everyone arrives at the same time, the car farthest to the right goes first. Also, straight traffic goes before the turners. And if you're still unsure in the end, wait it out, or, as the department states, “when in doubt, bail out.”)
HELEN'S ANSWER: It does seem like everyone is in a hurry to go somewhere. It is hard to restrain from honking when someone jumps in front of you on the street, or when they are wobbling around the street while talking on the phone. A couple of horn taps should do the trick, but there are some people who really get irked at any honking.
If you are trying to get their attention so they won't hit you, hit the horn hard and get out of the way!
Civility rules on the streets, so be sure you
are courteous to others while driving yourself. Keep a safe distance from the driver in front of you and always use your turn signal before the turn. Don't tailgate. Refrain from getting so involved while talking on your cell phone that you forget to drive. Focus on the road ahead. Stay alert!
GUEST'S ANSWER: Joe Hight, endowed chair of journalism ethics, University of Central Oklahoma: Common courtesy should always be foremost when we drive. However, with the rise in stress caused by the pandemic, polarization and other issues, that may not be occurring as much on our roadways. I would still recommend being cautious in blaring your horn at other drivers. Instead of continuous honking, tap on your horn a couple of times if there is an issue. Otherwise, be as courteous as possible. This, to me, would be our Oklahoma Standard.
Since 2009 Callie, LillieBeth and Helen have written this generational etiquette column. They also include guest responses from a wide range of ages each week. So many years later, Callie is 20-plus; Lillie-Beth, 40-plus and Helen, 60-plus.