When is it appropriate to use your horn while driving?

Using your horn to alert another driver of your presence is appropriate because it enhances safety on the road. The horn serves as a warning signal that can help prevent potential accidents by ensuring that other drivers are aware of your vehicle. For instance, if another driver is about to change lanes without seeing you or is encroaching into your lane, a brief honk can grab their attention and encourage them to be more cautious. This use of the horn is aligned with the primary purpose of vehicle horns, which is to communicate and maintain safety among road users.

In contrast, using the horn simply to greet someone or signal impatience does not contribute to road safety and could potentially be distracting or annoying to others. Warnings regarding pedestrians should be expressed in other ways, as honking may not always be the safest or most effective method in all circumstances. Therefore, focusing on using the horn as a means of alerting others to your presence supports safe driving practices.