“Drive Talk” Tips When Driving

Drive talk or road language refers to the unspoken words by road drivers. It is not necessary for all people to know about these terms but if you are driving in Singapore, understanding them can make your trips on the road smoother.

The following list contains some common ‘drive talk’ that are commonly used.

1. Tailgating
The first lane is for overtaking exclusively, according to the Highway Code. However, as you may have noticed, this is not the case on our highways. Speedsters in Singapore typically use the first lane because they believe the speed limit is too low. Even if the car is already travelling at the legal speed limit, you may occasionally notice another vehicle tailgating it. At 90-100 km/h, it is almost bumper-to-bumper!

The driver is implying that you are dominating the road and should give way. In this case, we believe that signalling left and giving way is the wisest course of action.

Overall, it’s advisable to be mindful of the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. If the gap becomes too close for comfort while cruising to your destination, the safest option is to keep left for your own safety!
2. Get In Line!
It is not a good habit to drive straight to the front of the line in order to cut in front of people who are already lining up in a neat and ordered manner. Imagine waiting for what seems like an age for your turn to enter a crowded multi-story parking lot at a shopping mall, only to have a vehicle cut in front of you, forcing you to wait another eternity for the gantry to open up for you.

Do unto others what you would have others do unto you, as the proverb says. As much as you may want to reduce the amount of time you spend sitting in your car, cutting the line is not a good idea because it is completely unjust to people who have to wait.
3. Gesture As A Form of Appreciation
Thanking someone is only nice and respectful, but how do you do it while also ensuring that they are aware that you are doing so?

There are numerous methods to thank other drivers without stepping out of your car. Some use hand motions, while others use light signals. Placing your hand out the window and lifting it is a common technique to express gratitude to other drivers.
4. The Different Types Of Honks
It’s not necessarily a negative gesture whenever you hear a honk that you believe is intended at you. Instead, vehicles employ these honks to convey a variety of messages.

There are several distinct methods to honk, each with its own function. For example, One-time short and sharp honking and two-time short and sharp honking.

The one-time brief and sharp honk serves as a warning to other drivers. It’s typically used when a driver fails to notice a traffic signal change. For example, failing to notice when a red light turns green and causing delays for other drivers in the back.

The two-time short and sharp honk indicates that the other driver is attempting to communicate with you, such as grabbing your attention if you are driving at night without turning on your headlights.

Motorists should be aware of the various functions of various sorts of honks in order to make effective use of them.

5. Flashing headlights
Another method to know someone is indicating you to move out of the way is if they beam their headlights at you numerous times, as indicated previously in the first point regarding driving in the first lane. It indicates that they want you out of the way, and you should change lanes.

Another reason to flash your headlight is to alert oncoming traffic that you are approaching. If you’re approaching a tight turn and can’t see your blind spot, flashing your flashlight several times will alert other drivers on the other side of the bend and give them enough time to avoid you.

When someone “high beams” at you, on the other hand, you can tell if they are furious or annoyed. One “level” below honking is high-beaming. When the issue isn’t as critical or they aren’t as irritated, drivers tend to use high beams, which isn’t as awful as honking. When someone honks at you or the situation is on the verge of becoming a disaster, you’ve crossed the line. Every driver should be aware of this guideline on how to properly use their headlights.

Every motorist plays a critical role in ensuring that the roads are a safe environment for all. Dislike and ego do not solve problems. If you find yourself in a situation where you are experiencing road rage, report it to the police and let them handle it. It is not recommended that you try to solve the problem on your own.

If you’re thinking about buying a car but aren’t sure where to start, give us a call today! The knowledgeable staff at Hin Lung Auto is here to assist you every step of the journey!
You can reach our Customer Service team at +65 6472 2222 right now.