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Horns and Headlights: Proper Etiquette Can Prevent Kansas City Car Accidents

Horns

My pet peeve is drivers who honk while I'm waiting to turn at a busy intersection. The sound of the horn never fails to startle me and make me feel like I'm doing something wrong, even if I'm still waiting for a break in the traffic.

The truth is that the driver of the car behind me can't see that traffic is backed up for several blocks and to him it may seem that I've fallen asleep at the wheel or am taking up a large chunk of his busy day. But, if I let the sound of the horn push me into making a bad driving decision, my life and the lives of others on the road are put at risk.

In most states, it is illegal to use a car horn except when necessary to prevent accidents. It is not ok to use your horn because you are impatient or because you don't like another person's driving. The driver could be ill, lost or even have car problems. If you honk your horn because a driver made a mistake, you may confuse the driver or startle him into making more mistakes. Using your horn inappropriately is aggressive driving.

You may use your horn to alert a driver or pedestrian of a danger; the problem is that the horn might startle the driver or pedestrian and cause an even larger danger. Never use your horn when slowing down or stopping will prevent an accident.

So when should you use your horn?

On narrow mountain roads, you should drive as far left as possible and sound your horn whenever there are steep curves or you cannot see at least 200 feet in front of you.

And speaking of horns, in Universal City, MO, it is illegal to honk someone else's horn.

Headlights

Headlights are a necessary safety feature on vehicles. You should use your headlights when it is cloudy, rainy, snowy, foggy, frosty or any time that you have trouble seeing other cars. Chances are good that other drivers are having trouble seeing you, too

In fact, even on sunny days headlights help other drivers see you and can help you avoid a head-on crash.

You may also flash your headlights to get the attention of a driver who may not see you or to warn of a danger, but you should not flash your lights to warn of police or speed traps.

Fog lights and high beams can help you see in situations where visibility is low, especially in rural areas. But, never use these lights when there is on-coming traffic. The bright lights can blind a driver and cause a Missouri car accident.

Using your car's safety features properly may save a life. But, improper use of horns and headlights puts you and others at risk.

If you have been injured in a Missouri car accident that was not your fault, a Kansas City accident lawyer may be able to help you get compensation for your injury and other losses. For more information, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 888-348-2616 and ask to schedule a free consultation with a Kansas City auto accident lawyer.

Protect your Missouri accident claim; download our free guide: 10 Essential Steps You Must Take To Protect Your Injury Claim.

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