Keep the peace: stop honking

Learning to be patient would be good for drivers' health as well as that of others, including residents in the vicinity.

If you took a few minutes to observe the amount of sound produced from vehicles, you would be surprised.

How many times does one come across motorists who simply honk while driving, without any specific reason? Do they consider the environment and the effect on other people before sounding their loud horns?

If one car has stopped and is waiting to occupy a parking space while another vehicle is trying to exit the parking slot, it is likely that motorists behind the stationary vehicle will immediately begin honking. In fact, they will do so continuously! This, despite knowing that they have no choice but to wait and creating a racket or being a nuisance to others will not help.

This irritating behaviour of impatient motorists should be avoided for safe driving. Motorists should understand that honking unnecessarily disturbs other motorists and residents in buildings near the road.

If these people could change their attitude, I am sure it would be good for their health, as well as others'.

If every person who drives follows general etiquette guidelines, it would help to create a more peaceful driving experience.

Let us ensure the UAE is an eco-friendly and quiet region. I request the cooperation of everybody to do so.

Guidelines for a peaceful trip

- Avoid sounding horns for no reason, especially in residential areas, near hospitals and at night.

- Do not honk to get the attention of a waiting passenger or a server at a restaurant or café.

- If you have to use the horn, do not use it continuously or frequently.

- Park vehicles in legal areas, without obstructing the smooth flow of traffic.

- After parking your vehicle, do a quick check around the car to ensure that everything is in order.

- Do not throw garbage or other waste in car parking areas or on the road.

The reader is a legal consultant based in Abu Dhabi.