http://www.saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/

Corpo Media - Index

Corpo Media - Travel Booklet - Index

WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE
FOR OUR CONDUCT
ON THE ROAD
Manners and Courtesy: “Survival of the Fittest” Has No Place on the Road!
Every day, you share the road with others: drivers,
cyclists, motorcyclists, and truck and bus drivers.
But respecting the Highway Safety Code does not
automatically mean that the road is safe. It also
takes a degree of… courtesy!
The road is a public space where all users must be
attentive and sensitive to the intentions of others.
This is where courtesy, i.e., polite relations and
manners, comes into play. Everything then
becomes more pleasant, and definitely safer.
Clearly communicating intentions and understanding
the intentions of others helps:
• avoid accidents
• create a friendly atmosphere
• reduce aggressive behaviour
POLITE, SAFE BEHAVIOUR
BETWEEN DRIVERS —Use your turn signals to
show that you intend to change lanes. The driver
behind you will appreciate this gesture. It will
allow you enough time and space to complete
your move.
BETWEEN CYCLISTS AND DRIVERS — As a
cyclist, use a hand signal to indicate ahead of
time that you intend to change lanes. Upon seeing
your signal drivers following you must reduce their
speed and allow you enough space to move into
the lane.
BETWEEN PEDESTRIANS AND DRIVERS —
Before crossing the road, ensure that the driver has
seen you by establishing visual contact. In turn,
having understood your intention, he or she will
respond with a hand signal and allow you time to
cross the road.
IN ALL CASES, politeness is the rule. Thank
people by using a hand signal, a nod of the head
or a smile.
By adopting courteous behaviour, you gain the
respect of other users, who, in turn, willingly make
the task easier. One good turn deserves another!
According to an old Chinese saying on politeness:
“He who gives the right of way opens the road
for himself.”
QUÉBEC TRAVEL BOOKLET • SUMMER 2008 65