Using the horn is good or bad?
I’m always on the hunt for research linking horn use to crashes, ideally proving whether it helps or harms. Yet, many people assume “tooting the horn” is universally bad. I disagree. While teaching, I use the horn regularly to avoid close calls, letting my learner continue safely while bypassing drivers who should have yielded or stopped. So, why is horn use viewed negatively?
In my experience, while teaching, 99% of honks on the road express frustration—usually “You’re too slow!”—not safety. Genuine “safety toots” are rare, and I could count them on one hand.
In my normal everyday driving, I would break down horn usage like this: 40% safety warnings, 30% impatience, and 30% frustration aimed at “teaching a lesson to the driver who is acting silly.”
Recently, I came across a study titled “Inappropriate Use of the Horn” and expected to find evidence against horn misuse. Instead, it was a survey showing that 61% of respondents agreed that incorrect horn use causes accidents, while 38% disagreed. Is it really research if it’s just opinions?
This journey continues as I challenge the myths clients bring daily.
To read this article in more detail go to CooperDrivingSchool.com.
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