When is it appropriate to use your horn while driving?

Using your horn to alert others in a dangerous situation is appropriate because it serves as a crucial safety tool. The primary function of the horn is to communicate with other road users to prevent accidents. For instance, if you notice a pedestrian stepping onto the road unexpectedly or another vehicle swerving into your lane, sounding your horn can help to grab their attention and potentially avoid a collision.

In contrast, using the horn to express frustration or signal that you're about to overtake can lead to misunderstandings and may escalate tensions on the road. Additionally, greeting someone you know with your horn might distract both you and other drivers, which is not a constructive use of the vehicle's auditory warning system. Therefore, the correct time to use your horn is in situations where safety is at risk, thereby fostering a safer driving environment for everyone.