With the start of the travel season, I wonder why is it that some people seem to forget their manners in a car?

Your actions on the road should be the same as if you do not have a 1 ton metal frame traveling around you.

For example, would you walk so close behind someone that you almost step on their heels? That is pretty much what you are doing when you follow too closely. (This is not only impolite, but it is also dangerous and against the law in many states).

The general rule is that there must be a distance of one car length between you and the car in front of you, for every ten miles per hour. Always remember, courtesy that can save lives is priceless.

Letting someone in

Is letting someone in - in traffic, just a polite action?

We have all been in traffic, some of us more than others. And these days a lot of us are in a hurry moving very quickly, running against the clock.

When we move so fast, racing against time, we often do not have time to pause or stop for a moment to let someone in..in traffic, say good morning, or to be polite in many other ways.

Time, or the lack of it, has often robbed us of civility. Letting someone in- in traffic, like holding the door for someone, is not just a polite action but rather, a reflection of your attitude.

Always remember, attitudes are contagious. Is yours worth catching?

The Charleston School of Protocol and Etiquette specializes in helping people handle life's events and changes with style, polish and confidence. They offer seminars and consulting services in business etiquette, and medical office protocol. www.charlestonschoolofprotocol.com.