I live about 25 miles southwest of a big city – such communities were once referred to as “bedroom” communities. Today, in this community, there is a great amount of traffic, although not as much as some other larger cities. Still, the amount of traffic has doubled in the twelve years I have lived here. Thank goodness I no longer have to traverse highways to go to work each day (I have, however, done 50 miles each way several times during my work life) – I still, though, do a lot of driving. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not always the length of the commute, but it is definitely the quality.
So whether or not a short or long distance is traveled, my conclusion is that many drivers are wild! And, basically, I’m sorry to say, selfish. I firmly believe that most drivers in my area do not recognize or care about posted road signs, signal lights or what those stripes on the road mean. In city traffic, few seem to acknowledge the meaning of a double yellow line, much less a double solid white stripe (or, even a single solid line) – I recognize that drivers on two-lane country roads do heed the stripes and dashes – they are conscientious about passing safely most of the time. However, in town, it is a different story. Is that center lane, of a five lane road, bordered in a yellow solid line (and sometimes double yellow solid lines) a merge lane, your own private driving lane or a turn lane?????? So what is this with deciding at the last minute that you need to move over so you can get into a turn lane, barge into my lane, then you slow down and brake in front of me? Thanks. But what about the one who speeds up in a far right lane (which ends in two blocks) in order to get in front of everyone else merging back into the main lane with inches to spare. Did you forget that the message on side view mirrors says: “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear?” Quit cutting people off! On the reverse side, there are also drivers who go at a snail’s pace in the far left lane, this just may be the cause of many drivers trying to at least go the speed limit and end up having to pass on the right. I hate passing on the right, I didn’t learn to drive that way, but it seems to be “acceptable” now.
And more on signs, what does that triangular sign mean? Or, as importantly, what does that octagonal red sign mean – pause, then go? Better yet, when one is turning right on red, does that mean a slow coast around a corner and beat the person who has the green light into that lane? Oh guess what, it’s a law – “stop” before turning right. (Stop means the wheels have ceased rotation – the speedometer is at zero.) Then there’s yellow light roulette, can you make it through before it turns red???? Thank heavens most folks do actually acknowledge red lights! What about the use of turn signals, or lack thereof. Should a turn signal be used before or after one enters a turn lane? Should you use a turn signal at all? Does using a turn signal mean right of way, or only intention? (Oh, and then there is the person who forgets to turn off the signal and drives blinkingly for several miles. Sigh.) Well, there are just too many things to ponder. And, I really do think most folks do not know how to read – definitely not the road signs! For one last example, the speed limit sign – is that a suggestion or law? (Sorry, but posted speed limits are legally binding.) Would drivers at least do the speed limit – if it’s 45, do that! But, why are you going 55-60 in a 45? You know, there are reasons for speed limits.
Again, I’m thankful that I only regularly drive a few miles to most of my destinations! However, I find that drivers are really only interested in getting there before you, and they do it any way they can! Rules seem to have become lax. I’m sorry, I feel that lack of consideration and general politeness is rampant. My dad taught me to “drive ahead” – by that, he meant observe traffic in front of you and be able to prepare for whatever happens; and, when pulling back into a lane after passing a vehicle, the entire front end of that vehicle should be seen in the rear view mirror. So, I believe, one should plan ahead, know the route and practice courtesy. I’m reminded of a statement I would often mention to my daughter on various occasions: ‘your failure to plan should not result in chaos on my part.’ But, many drivers don’t plan. There are a lot of drivers out there with varying abilities; the more zealous of them need to tone it down. I’m surprised there aren’t more accidents. [Thanks for allowing me to rant, and do remember this is just my opinion!]
So whether or not a short or long distance is traveled, my conclusion is that many drivers are wild! And, basically, I’m sorry to say, selfish. I firmly believe that most drivers in my area do not recognize or care about posted road signs, signal lights or what those stripes on the road mean. In city traffic, few seem to acknowledge the meaning of a double yellow line, much less a double solid white stripe (or, even a single solid line) – I recognize that drivers on two-lane country roads do heed the stripes and dashes – they are conscientious about passing safely most of the time. However, in town, it is a different story. Is that center lane, of a five lane road, bordered in a yellow solid line (and sometimes double yellow solid lines) a merge lane, your own private driving lane or a turn lane?????? So what is this with deciding at the last minute that you need to move over so you can get into a turn lane, barge into my lane, then you slow down and brake in front of me? Thanks. But what about the one who speeds up in a far right lane (which ends in two blocks) in order to get in front of everyone else merging back into the main lane with inches to spare. Did you forget that the message on side view mirrors says: “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear?” Quit cutting people off! On the reverse side, there are also drivers who go at a snail’s pace in the far left lane, this just may be the cause of many drivers trying to at least go the speed limit and end up having to pass on the right. I hate passing on the right, I didn’t learn to drive that way, but it seems to be “acceptable” now.
And more on signs, what does that triangular sign mean? Or, as importantly, what does that octagonal red sign mean – pause, then go? Better yet, when one is turning right on red, does that mean a slow coast around a corner and beat the person who has the green light into that lane? Oh guess what, it’s a law – “stop” before turning right. (Stop means the wheels have ceased rotation – the speedometer is at zero.) Then there’s yellow light roulette, can you make it through before it turns red???? Thank heavens most folks do actually acknowledge red lights! What about the use of turn signals, or lack thereof. Should a turn signal be used before or after one enters a turn lane? Should you use a turn signal at all? Does using a turn signal mean right of way, or only intention? (Oh, and then there is the person who forgets to turn off the signal and drives blinkingly for several miles. Sigh.) Well, there are just too many things to ponder. And, I really do think most folks do not know how to read – definitely not the road signs! For one last example, the speed limit sign – is that a suggestion or law? (Sorry, but posted speed limits are legally binding.) Would drivers at least do the speed limit – if it’s 45, do that! But, why are you going 55-60 in a 45? You know, there are reasons for speed limits.
Again, I’m thankful that I only regularly drive a few miles to most of my destinations! However, I find that drivers are really only interested in getting there before you, and they do it any way they can! Rules seem to have become lax. I’m sorry, I feel that lack of consideration and general politeness is rampant. My dad taught me to “drive ahead” – by that, he meant observe traffic in front of you and be able to prepare for whatever happens; and, when pulling back into a lane after passing a vehicle, the entire front end of that vehicle should be seen in the rear view mirror. So, I believe, one should plan ahead, know the route and practice courtesy. I’m reminded of a statement I would often mention to my daughter on various occasions: ‘your failure to plan should not result in chaos on my part.’ But, many drivers don’t plan. There are a lot of drivers out there with varying abilities; the more zealous of them need to tone it down. I’m surprised there aren’t more accidents. [Thanks for allowing me to rant, and do remember this is just my opinion!]
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