The movement of traffic is often described as a flow, like a river. Within the flow some vehicles travel faster and some slower, but there is a general pace to the whole collection of vehicles. Inside the flow, often this pace seems to be faster than the posted speed limit. Be sure that a fast flow of traffic does not allow a driver caught up in that flow to exceed the speed limit.

 

Although, as a driver, you may find that you are the slow vehicle in the line, do not conclude that no one drives within the limit. In fact, the overall pace of traffic is usually at or close to the speed limit.

 

However, many people are in a hurry. Jackrabbit drivers in particular seem frantic. But they are still stuck in the flow which means that all their risk-taking, short-cutting and general disregard for the rules of courteous driving does not actually get them much further ahead.

 

The safer "tortoise" driverpicks a lane, stays in it, and drives at a speed that is consistent with the speed of the traffic flow around them. That driver knows that weaving from one lane to another, trying to pass every car on the road will not gain them much, and that every lane change they make increases their risk of collision.

 

Safe drivers with regular commutes know which lane is the best for travel under normal circumstances and they stay in it. This may be a direction finding tactic—the lane that becomes their exit ramp five kilometers up the road, or for navigational ease—the lane that most of the time flows better because it is less affected by merging traffic. It may be purely a safety matter—the far right lane flows more slowly.

 

Defensive driving involves resisting the urge to make frequent lane changes. Defensive driving involves maintaining a safe following distance by using the two-second rule, and staying alert to the dangers posed by any surrounding drivers. Defensive driving involves responding to another driver who needs to merge into your lane, by letting them in. In so doing you will not only maintain the traffic flow, but also set a good example that others will follow.

 

The good news is that courteous driving behaviour encourages others to be courteous, and it helps keep traffic moving. Discourtesy, on the other hand directly or indirectly causes many of the problems that disrupt traffic flow. Do yourself a favour, and drive at a reasonable speed, steadily and courteously—and arrive at your destination safely.