Newsletter » February 2010

Common Courtesies on the Street

With the recent string of senseless pedestrian deaths in Toronto, I thought a refresher on road etiquette was in order. Whether you drive, walk, or ride a bike, staying mindful will keep you and others safe and happy.

For Drivers

  • Please notice that you very seldom lose your space in the line-up. There's no need to push your nose against someone else's bumper.
  • A yellow light means stop if you can do so safely. If there are cars facing you in the turning lane, they will appreciate the time to make their turn before the light goes red. You could push the pedal to the metal and run through but one of two things can happen:
    • The cars in the intersection will stay in the intersection and then hold up cross-traffic as they are forced to finish turning on the red.
    • The car waiting to turn assumes you would not chance to go through a stale yellow and …bang.
  • If you see an emergency vehicle, move out of its way immediately. If you can hear an emergency vehicle but not see it, stop. When you see it, you know what to do. Remember, in a fire or an asthma attack, every second counts.
  • If you are stopped at a red light and an emergency vehicle comes up behind you, make sure all traffic has stopped then go through the light, at least enough so the emergency vehicle can get through. This is hard to do because we are programmed not to go through a red. I have seen the poor emergency driver in the big truck honking and motioning the little car in front of him to go through, and everybody in every car waving at him to go through, and the little car just does not dare. Do it.
  • If you see someone trying to parallel park, stop and let her. Don't try to squeeze by or pull up so far that she does not dare to do the maneuver.
  • If you want to let someone in, slowing down a tiny touch does not always make it clear. Flick your lights or motion with your hand. You will usually get a thank-you wave.
  • Busses have the right of way. Allow them to go before you.
  • If your car is on the inside lane, leave a little space when stopped at the light rather than pulling right up to the line. This will allow cars turning left from the street on your right to comfortably make the turn.
  • Every time you open your car door on a street, check back to see if there is a cyclist approaching. Also check for cyclists behind you when making a right-hand turn. They should not be coming up on your right side, but many do.
  • Share the road. Understand that bicycles have the right to fully occupy the lane next to the curb if they feel it would be dangerous to squeeze too far to the right while cars pass. This is especially important to keep in mind on narrow streets.

For Passengers

  • The driver has full responsibility for the driving of the car. Please don't tell the driver what to do and what not to do. It is truly irritating.
  • Lean back when the driver wants to look out to the right. You do him no favours by leaning forward and deciding for him whether he now can cut someone off or not. Again, it is the driver's responsibility to assess the traffic, not yours. Don't interfere.

For Pedestrians

  • When it's dark, or getting to be dark, you can still see the cars. The drivers cannot clearly see you, however, especially if you have dark hair and wear dark clothes. Be aware.
  • If you jaywalk during the day, you irritate a driver. If you jaywalk in the evening, the driver does not expect a body in front of him. Remember that jaywalking is illegal and can result in a fine, if not worse. The damage to your innards will be larger than the damage to a car.
  • At sunrise and sunset, drivers are often blinded by sunlight in their eyes. Use extra caution when walking at these times.
  • At crossings, if the little hand is glowing orange and traffic has started, that means the left lane cars are moving. Therefore, dear pedestrian, please wait until you have the white light to walk. It takes only one pedestrian to throw off the flow of traffic for blocks.

Upcoming Business of Manners Workshops

International Business Etiquette

When it comes to winning and keeping business, it is the little things that count. Do not compromise your chances of success by making etiquette mistakes that could easily be avoided. Learn the secrets to projecting a powerful image.

Join me for a one-day workshop that will have you feeling poised, polished and ready for any situation. $295 including a 3-course luncheon with wine; $100 for post-secondary students. Classes are capped at just 5 participants to ensure an intimate learning experience. Register now to reserve your spot. Call 416-971-9754 or send e-mail to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Saturday, May 1, 2010, 9:00am – 4:30pm at the Strathcona Hotel, 60 York Street

Kidiquette

Kidiquette, the signature children's etiquette classes at The Fairmont Royal York, offer basic manners and social skills to children ages 7-12 years. From thank-you notes to party manners, children are taught polite conduct and behaviour. Each class includes specialized instruction, high tea, and a certificate of completion at the end of the afternoon. $55 plus GST for first-time students. $45 plus GST for second-time students. Limited spaces are available in the EPIC Private Dining Room on the following Saturday:

Saturday, April 10, 2010, high tea from 2:30 – 5:00pm at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, 100 Front Street West

Advance reservations are required. For more information or to register, call
416-971-9754 or send e-mail to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Teen Etiquette

Give your young adult the gift of social poise and grace. The teenage years can be so awkward -- but a Business of Manners youth workshop can provide them with the confidence they need to shine. They will learn in a fun, supportive atmosphere, and come away with a new and better understanding of fine social behaviour. Each class includes specialized instruction, a three-course feast, including soup or salad, main entrée and dessert, and a certificate of completion at the end of the afternoon. $85. For more information or to register, call 416-971-9754 or send e-mail to adeodata@businessofmanners.com

Saturday, February 20, 2010, 9:00am - 3:30pm and
Saturday, May 29, 2010, 9:00am - 3:30pm at
the Strathcona Hotel, 60 York Street

Ask about private coaching or a custom Meals & Manners program in your home.