Apparently most of us do not, according to a poll carried out by Onepoll. The drivers of certain cars appear to be far worse than others when it comes to misuse. Drivers of German cars seem to be the worst culprits; with 53% of BMW drivers admitting to sounding the horn at least once on every journey. Whilst 95% of Nissan drivers said they never use their horn except in an emergency; which is of course what a horn is intended for. Not much better were Jaguar drivers at 45%, Fiat drivers 43% and Audi at 39%.

52% of those surveyed quite correctly said they thought the proper use of the horn was to warn another motorist or pedestrians of a dangerous situation. Others had no idea how a horn should be used correctly; some said they sound the horn when they see another motorist on the phone, quite what it has to do with them is difficult to understand.

Many seemed to think that their horn is there to tell other motorists to move off more quickly when the traffic lights change to green. A disturbing 6% said the horn was there to be used to express anger, 3% said it was to be used when you spot someone you know. Bear in mind these are people who have the vote, when it comes time to decide the future of our country.

The Highway Code says that the horn should be used to warn other road users of your presence and only be used when the vehicle is moving, which means it’s not to be used a 1am outside your mates house to let him know you have come to pick him up to go fishing. Firstly because your car is not moving, secondly because even if you were moving it cannot be used between 11.30pm and 7am in a built up area and thirdly because it’s extremely selfish. 

As to why those who use the horn most frequently mainly drive the more expensive cars, is a bit of a mystery. Could it be that those who drive expensive cars, in general have more stressful jobs?