Driving etiquette and speeding habits across Europe

Research highlights differences in driving etiquette and behavior across Europe, noting that unwritten rules regarding signals and gestures vary significantly by country. For instance, light signaling in Romania can range from warnings to greetings or expressions of admiration, whereas in the United Kingdom, high-beam flashing is almost exclusively a gesture of politeness and cooperation. Similarly, horn usage can be aggressive in many regions, but in rural parts of France, Portugal, Croatia, and Romania, a short honk may serve as a friendly greeting.

In Lithuania, a study by Lietuvos draudimas indicates that 35% of drivers admit to speeding during the summer season. Experts note that the perceived time savings from speeding are often illusory; for example, increasing speed from 120 km/h to 140 km/h on a 10 km stretch saves less than one minute under ideal conditions. Actual travel time is frequently offset by traffic, roadworks, and traffic lights.