When should you use your horn?

Using your horn is primarily a safety feature designed to alert others of potential danger. It should be used to communicate important information to other road users, such as pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, especially when there is a risk of an accident or when someone may not be aware of your presence. For instance, if a vehicle is about to merge into your lane without seeing you, a short honk can effectively warn them to be cautious.

In contrast, signaling for a lane change is better achieved with turn signals, which provide clearer communication about your intentions to other drivers. Expressing frustration with other drivers through the use of the horn can lead to misunderstandings or escalate conflicts, which is not the intended use of this tool. Lastly, using the horn at all times is impractical and could create a chaotic driving environment, contributing to confusion rather than improving safety. Thus, the appropriate and safest use of the horn is to alert others to potential dangers on the road.