Drive 'N Arrive #5: Hospitality

"Welcome in!" It’s a warm, friendly greeting we hear online, on the radio, and in person. On the road, however, there is a time for hospitality and a time for restraint. Specifically, I am talking about the common habit of waving another driver into or across an intersection.

While motorists who wave others through usually have the best intentions, their visibility is often limited in ways they don't realize. Recently, while waiting to turn left at an intersection, I watched the driver opposite me—who was also turning left—wave side-street drivers into traffic. This well-meaning gesture created a high risk of a collision.

It is rarely safe to wave another vehicle forward unless you have complete visibility and can guarantee there is no conflicting traffic. In almost every situation, it is far safer to follow standard right-of-way rules rather than attempting to direct traffic yourself. Leave the hospitality for non-vehicle occasions.

Tip: As the midterms approach, candidates are sharing platforms focused on high-profile voter concerns like the economy, while road safety is rarely mentioned. Remember, candidates want to hear from constituents. If road safety is important to you, speak up and let your representatives know, or become a SafeRoadsMD member to support our road safety agenda.