When should you use your horn?

Using your horn is primarily intended to alert other road users of your presence, especially in situations where visibility is limited or when safety may be compromised. Coming out of a dark alley presents a scenario where your vehicle may not be clearly visible to other drivers or pedestrians. By using your horn in this situation, you can effectively signal to others that you are emerging from an area where they might not expect a vehicle, thus reducing the risk of an accident.

In contrast, using the horn out of frustration, in response to tailgating, or when approaching a pedestrian crosswalk may not serve the same alerting purpose and could potentially escalate tensions or confuse other drivers and pedestrians. The primary function of the horn should be to enhance safety on the road by communicating your presence in situations where it may not be obvious, particularly in low-visibility areas or when merging into traffic.