When is it appropriate to use your horn?

Using your horn is primarily a safety tool designed to alert others on the road of your presence, especially in situations where their awareness may be compromised. This is why it is appropriate to use your horn to alert another driver of your presence. For instance, if a driver is about to change lanes or pull out from a parking space and hasn’t seen you, sounding your horn can help prevent a collision by getting their attention.

In contrast, greeting a friend might not warrant the use of the horn, as it may distract or surprise others on the road. Expressing frustration with the horn can lead to misunderstandings and escalate road rage rather than improving safety. Using the horn during lane changes is also not advisable as it could confuse other drivers about your intentions, especially if they don't know why you’re beeping it. Therefore, using the horn should always be done with the intent to promote safety and communication on the road.