When is it appropriate to use your horn?

Using your horn to alert other drivers of your presence is an appropriate and safe way to communicate on the road. The primary function of a vehicle's horn is to warn or signal other road users about your presence, particularly in situations where visibility is limited or when another driver might not see you. This can help prevent accidents and enhance overall road safety.

For instance, if a driver is about to change lanes and doesn't see your vehicle, a short honk can alert them to your presence and prompt them to check their surroundings before making any maneuvers. It’s important to use the horn judiciously and only when necessary, rather than as a means of expressing frustration or annoyance.

In contrast, greeting friends on the road can be distracting and potentially dangerous, as it may take your attention away from driving. Using the horn only in heavy traffic or when exiting a parking lot may not encompass all the scenarios where using the horn is beneficial, limiting its use to specific situations rather than its broader intended purpose.