More civility on the roads
JAY REMER
The etiquette guy
Published Saturday January 24, 2009

I received the following letter from a reader several weeks ago. As I was sitting at my desk watching the snow fall, I thought that a column addressing etiquette for the road was a good idea. Driving in snow and ice presents its own set of problems. But first, let's look at the concerns of this reader:

Dear Jay,

I was disappointed that a previous column 'Civility rules on the road, too' did not address civility between different users of the road, for example, automobiles and pedestrians or automobiles and bicycles. In particular, I wish more drivers were aware of the following:

1. Your right to make a right turn at a red light is limited by the presence of pedestrians crossing the road in front of you.

2. Even though pedestrian-activated red lights are not part of what you may consider to be part of the normal signal cycle, you are still required to stop for them. If you fail to notice them in time because you are driving too fast or because you are overly distracted, for example, by your cellphone, it is your responsibility to amend your behaviour, not the pedestrian's responsibility to stay out of your way.

3. Where a sidewalk crosses the entrance or exit to a driveway or parking lot, pedestrians on the sidewalk have the right of way, as do cyclists moving along the right-hand side of the road. You are required to wait until the way is clear for you to proceed.

4. Cyclists are required to ride along the right-hand side of the paved roadway. They are not required to ride on unpaved surfaces, across broken glass, through potholes that would rip their front wheels off, et cetera. If a cyclist on the right-hand side of the paved roadway does not leave enough room for you to pass, this does not give you a licence to run them off the road. You need to wait until you have room to pass safely.

And finally, a word addressed specifically to young male drivers: While you personally may think it's fun to yell at pedestrians and cyclists as you go by, in order to see if you can make them jump, no one else thinks it's fun. Grow up - or turn in your licence until you're mature enough to handle it. -S.R.W.

Dear S.R.W.,

Thanks for pointing out these important rules that people tend to forget. There is a civility that must be practised while driving, pedalling and walking so no one gets hurt. It is advisable for pedestrians to walk on the left side of the street, facing oncoming traffic so they can clearly see approaching vehicles and can step off the road, if needed, as they pass.

Cyclists need to stay to the far right-hand side of the road when vehicles are passing. In many communities there are bike lanes specifically designated for them. Adding more of these lanes will only enhance the safety of cyclists.

Motorcycles and cars must follow traffic rules carefully and be prepared for any surprises that a pedestrian or cyclist may present. Even though there are designated crosswalks, out-of-town visitors, such as the many in St. Andrews, may be unaware of them and are particularly vulnerable.

Children must learn about traffic rules at an early age. Although there are often well-marked signs prohibiting bicycles on sidewalks, a lot of folks are unaware of them. Children feel and are safer riding on the sidewalks, signs or no signs. It is up to parents to teach children that pedestrians have the right-of-way on and off the sidewalks. This is an easy way to begin to instill respect for others in our youth. Being aware of traffic safety regulations protects youngsters against traffic dangers.

As far as driving in the winter goes, the same rules apply.

However, because it is far more difficult to stop or swerve on icy pavement, great caution must be practised. Test your brakes from time to time as road conditions change. Drive defensively and slower than you normally would. There are also deer that leap suddenly onto the road. To be as safe as possible in the winter, make sure your car is winterized by a licensed mechanic.

Keep warm clothes or blankets in the car. Remember to charge your cellphone and carry it with you in case of an emergency. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.

If you are travelling a long distance, check road and highway conditions beforehand to be prepared for any delays. By taking these few precautionary measures, your winter travel will be safer. Erring on the side of caution demonstrates the respect you have for your fellow travellers and for you as well.

Jay Remer is certified by the Protocol School of Washington as a consultant for corporate etiquette and international protocol. He lives in St. Andrews. E-mail your etiquette questions to jay@etiquetteguy.com and visit his website at www.etiquetteguy.com.