Let's face it. Most of us have a car. We use this car to accomplish many tasks. We use it to go to work, we use it for recreation, and we use it to transport goods. As a driver, you should anticipate the needs of other fellow drivers, and show common courtesy. In today's article, I am going to lay down some rules that all drivers should follow. These are just common sense rules, and if followed correctly, it will lead to a better driving experience and less of a hazard.

Lane Switch

In Toronto, Canada where I reside, lane courtesy just dosn't mean anything to anyone. Let us all get one thing straight, keep the left lane open for faster traffic. If your in the fast lane and you come up behind a slower driver, please be patient. The other driver will notice you in a couple of seconds. It also takes a few more seconds for the driver to switch to the right lane. For drivers in the right lane, if you see someone wanting to merge in, let them do so. If the slow driver refuses to move, please be patient and do not lose your temper. Find your way through the right lane if need be.

When switching lanes, please signal 4 - 5 times. This lets the other driver know your intentions and creates less of a safety hazard. If your in heavy traffic, please revert to the speed limit (or the flow of the traffic) as your creating a very dangerous environment for other drivers.

Please leave traffic law enforcement to the proper authorities. If you have a cell phone, please call your local police to inform them (although.. well I wouldn't that).

Speed Limits

Follow the speed limit. Please note that while in the city, faster driving will save you only minutes, if not seconds. Please do yourself and others a favour and keep the roads danger-free. Not to mention the risk of getting a speeding ticket and having your insurance sky rocket.

There are exceptions to the speed limit. Even though it's still illegal, sometimes it is better to follow the flow of the traffic. If the right lane is driving at 60MPH, and the left lane is driving at 70MPH, and your at 65, please either slow down or speed up. Going with the flow is much more safer and less aggravating to the other drivers.

If you do choose to speed, watch out for hidden intersections, and left turns. Slow down when your approaching an intersection. Sometimes there may even be police checking your speed at certain intersections.

Trucks and other large vehicles.

There are just a few rules to this category. Do not follow them. Do not aggravate them by going slower in front of them. Do not travel along side them. Doing so creates a huge risk for your self. These trucks will crush you, it's simple as that.

Think, Anticipate, Do.

It's not very hard to antipicate what the fellow driver wants to do ahead of you. Assuming he uses his turn signals, and braking properly allow him to merge, change lanes, and exit. This will make you a better person inside. Even if you see two other vehicles not co-operating with each other, give room for one of them to pass by or merge.

Be alert at all times. Look at your surroundings. Look what kind of car is ahead of you, behind you and beside you. You can not compete with a truck, or a sports car so don't even try. Check your mirrors every 10 - 15 seconds. Check it more often when in heavy traffic. Always look ahead of you. Look far as your peripheral vision will guide you for near objects.

That's it for today. Remember only you can make yourself a better driver. You have the power to prevent accidents. If you need to get to work, leave early to prevent traffic and to prevent you from speeding. If your travelling long distance, have a GPS ready or a map ready. Find out all locations for gas pumps.

Most importantly of all, listen to your brain and not your emotions. Getting mad at a driver for not letting you pass will not accomplish anything. It will just ruin your mood for the day.

Thanks for reading!