Communicating With Other Drivers Steer Clear | State Farm® [MUSIC PLAYING] (Text on screen) Communication With Other Drivers An animated car moves down an animated roadway. Then, we have a driver’s view of a parking lot, a stopped car ahead. A foot and brake pedal appear at the top of the page. The foot depresses the pedal a few times. Another car moves through the lot. Then, still from the vantage point of the driver, we see a roadway. The car ahead has its turn signal on for no apparent reason. Next, a driveway appears, with a directional sign. (Announcer: Male voice) Driving involves strategy and communication. Watch for common signs that predict what a driver will do next to help you decide how you'll react. For example, we've all seen cars slow down while looking for a parking space. When you see this, you know to cover your brake because, more than likely, they'll be stopping to park. The car's movement, a glance from the other driver, a tap on the brakes -- these cues provide information about what the other driver will do next. Sometimes, you can't rely on signals alone. It's common for drivers to forget to turn off their turn signals. Look for variations in speed and learn to predict the driver's behavior. When you encounter a driveway, identify the type of access. Is it the entrance or the exit? All of these clues help predict the behavior of other cars around you. (Text on screen) To Honk or Not to Honk (IMAGE) Two cars are seen driving from above. A conversation bubble with symbols denoting an obscenity appears above the rear car. Then, a passing car honks and a bubble with a question mark in it appears above the other car. (Announcer: Male voice) To honk or not to honk? It's best to use your horn only to avoid collisions and alert people of your presence. Laying on the horn to express frustration or anger is never acceptable. Even honking to say hi to a friend on the other side of the road could create a miscommunication with other drivers. (IMAGE) A car is seen at a red light. Another car comes up behind the first car, and when the first car does not move after the light turns green, the second car uses its horn. Both cars then proceed. The scene renews, and this time a third car comes up and does not stop. It strikes the car ahead of it and moves all three cars both out of place. (Announcer: Male voice) A few scenarios are worthy of giving your horn a tap. For instance, it's acceptable when you approach a green light and the person in front of you is sitting through it. It's not only frustrating when the driver in front of you is stopped and distracted, it can also be downright dangerous. A gentle tap of your horn can alert another driver of a green light. (IMAGE) Two cars are seen at a four-way stop. A moving dotted line indicates the drivers making eye contact. The driver of one car waves to the other, then that car flashes its headlights. Then the other car proceeds through the intersection. (Announcer: Male voice) Cars approaching from behind who see that the light is green are likely to continue moving. When someone is stopped at a green light, this can create the risk of being rear ended. Use eye contact to indicate you'll be making a turn or crossing an intersection. Use friendly hand motions, a flash of your headlights, and pausing at an intersection to indicate you're letting another driver go first. (IMAGE) We see a car driving on the roadway, its hazard lights flashing. First gray clouds of smoke rise from the hood, and then a trailer it is towing pops up. Next, we see two cars from above. The front car is signaling for a right turn. It turns at the next intersection. (Announcer: Male voice) Use your hazard lights to indicate you're moving slower than other traffic, such as when you're experiencing car trouble or towing a trailer. Never assume other drivers see you or that a car with its turn signal on is intending to turn. The driver may have forgotten to turn it off. It's best to wait for a second sign of an upcoming turn, such as the car slowing down or starting to make the turn. (IMAGE) Two parked cars are seen. One has its wheels turned, indicating it may soon leave its parking spot. Then we see cars several cars driving and interacting. (Announcer: Male voice) Look at the position of the vehicle to help you judge the intended actions. For example, a parked car with its front wheels turned may suggest that it's about to exit a parking spot. To avoid confusing others, remember to put your signal on well before you turn. Staying calm and remaining friendly while driving will help ensure a safer drive for everyone. [MUSIC PLAYING]