What type of driver are you?

Many people consider themselves good drivers, who respect other drivers and pedestrians. But are you really a respectful, caring and safe driver?

How about doing a courtesy test on the road? What would be your grade? Try and find out with this nine-question quiz that will give you the answer.

You will find the correct answers –the ones that correspond to a friendly and safe driver– at the end of the test.

1. A pedestrian is crossing the zebra crossing, when the traffic light signal indicates that cars can move forward. What do you do?

• 1.
  1.
  You advance before the pedestrian reaches the sidewalk.
• 2.
  2.
  You use the horn insistently, so that the pedestrian hurries.
• 3.
  3.
  You wait for the pedestrian to finish his crossing. After all, in these cases he has priority.
• 4.
  4.
  You get impatient and think that the pedestrian is a disrespectful person who does not take into account your priorities.

2. You need to pick up your child at school, but you can't find a place to park:

• 1.
  1.
  You stop in the middle of the road, turn on the turn signals and run very fast to pick up the child.
• 2.
  2.
  You stop in the middle of the road, turn on the turn signals, and signal your son to come running to the car.
• 3.
  3.
  Keep going and park in the closest place to the school that you can. Then you walk to school to look for your son.
• 4.
  4.
  Take a few laps around the street until you can find a good parking space in front of the school.

3. A driver suddenly crosses the lane in which you are driving and blocks your way. Now?

• 1.
  1.
  You hit the brakes, take a deep breath, and think, "I don't think I did it with intent, these things happen."
• 2.
  2.
  You whistle desperately, very angry and you make an aggressive signal to the driver who has closed you.
• 3.
  3.
  You feel irritated at the moment, but after a couple of seconds, you think these things are normal in traffic.
• 4.
  4.
  You feel very irritated and you have to make a great effort not to insult the driver.

4. You come to the traffic light when the light is yellow. What do you do?

• 1.
  1.
  You think twice, but you usually stop and wait for the green signal.
• 2.
  2.
  You hit the brakes right away. You think it is better to lose 5 minutes and guarantee your safety and that of pedestrians.
• 3.
  3.
  If I don't see other cars at the intersection, I accelerate.
• 4.
  4.
  I step on the gas and move forward without thinking about the consequences. After all, the law says that I can pass in yellow.

5. Regarding the use of rear-view mirrors:

• 1.
  1.
  You use them to verify the presence of motorcyclists and cyclists.
• 2.
  2.
  Sometimes you forget that they exist.
• 3.
  3.
  You take a casual look but pay more attention to the inner mirror.
• 4.
  4.
  I usually look at them, but not as often as I should.

6. You have seen a traffic accident ... What are you doing?

• 1.
  1.
  You park to help, but you notice that there is already relief help ... so you keep going.
• 2.
  2.
  You walk very slowly to see what is happening.
• 3.
  3.
  You go ahead and call the police.
• 4.
  4.
  You stop the car and come over to see how you can help.

7. Regarding cyclists, how do you behave in the presence of these on the road?

• 1.
  1.
  You always keep a safe distance and check the mirrors. After all, they are the most fragile part of the traffic.
• 2.
  2.
  You get impatient, especially when they circulate in front of you.
• 3.
  3.
  You think they should be given exclusive walkways for them as there is no place for them on the streets.
• 4.
  4.
  You try to respect them as much as you would with any other vehicle.

8. Regarding the exclusive strips for buses, motorcycles or bicycles:

• 1.
  1.
  You don't always respect them, especially if you're in a hurry and the slopes are free.
• 2.
  2.
  You have the habit of respecting them, but sometimes, without noticing it, you find yourself walking in them.
• 3.
  3.
  You always respect them, as you believe that these lanes help to improve mobility and traffic.
• 4.
  4.
  You respect these spaces, but react aggressively when other drivers invade them, or when cyclists or motorcyclists do not use them and make you uncomfortable on the street.

9. Another driver's car has stopped in front of the green light in front of you. What do you do?

• 1.
  1.
  You use the horn several times and try to avoid the stranded driver.
• 2.
  2.
  You get out of your car, and you come to see how you can help.
• 3.
  3.
  You yell expletives out the window for the driver to move forward.
• 4.
  4.
  You get impatient and curse without the other driver listening.

All right. Now, I hope you haven't seen the ideal answers for a friendly driver, before answering the test:

1 = c, 2 = c, 3 = c, 4 = b, 5 = a, 6 = d, 7 = a, 8 = c, 9 = b

If you had less than five correct answers, you are a danger behind the wheel and you should not be driving on the streets.

If you answered more than five, you are a friendly, cordial and confident driver, who should only correct a few small details.

If you answered all nine questions correctly, you are a great driver, and an example for other drivers, and you probably don't have to review the following recommendations, although it never hurts to remember them.

Make a difference and demonstrate good habits on the road:

• •
  Avoid yelling, gesturing, or verbally assaulting other drivers.
• •
  Complies with traffic regulations and avoids carrying out dangerous manoeuvres, such as speeding.
• •
  Give priority to vehicles that attend emergencies.
• •
  Keep a safe distance from the car ahead.
• •
  Respect crosswalks and slow down whenever you approach one.
• •
  If a driver breaks down in front of you, try to stay calm, be polite and try to help him.
• •
  If you have an accident, where there are injuries, do not leave the place. Call the emergency services and provide all the help you can.
• •
  Use the mobile phone, only hands-free and for the shortest time possible.
• •
  If you listen to music, do it at a moderate volume, which allows you to perceive noise in the street.

A good driver always takes care of others. Do not forget this and try to share this test with other people!

Have a safe trip!