Traffic Civility

I've wanted to address this topic for a long time.  It sort of follows the heading – “If I were King!” – you know, the kind of rules you’d make if you had all authority.  With respect now only to driving a car (or truck), here’s an old favorite of mine: No left turns unless a turning lane is provided. Now that makes sense.

The longer I live and drive in mounting traffic, the more this rule makes sense! Left turners clog up more intersections and impede traffic than any other traffic problem other than a flood.  They also create more accidents than any other cause.

Second, related to that one is: If a turn lane is available, get into it quickly! How many times have you witnessed a slow dance by the driver into his turning lane with concurrent slowing of speed when he could have merged into the lane early and quickly? The painted lane lines are not actual curbs over which you cannot drive. Please get yourself out of the flow of traffic as quickly and safely as you can.  This speeds up the rest of the vehicles and keeps you safe at the same time.

The third rule is this: Don’t be a target! This one is consistent with the previous two items. Getting out of the way is critical to keeping you safe, others safe around you, and maintaining traffic momentum.  Keeping your rear end in traffic is an open invitation to getting hit. Turning left when no signal or lane is provided for that maneuver is another invite to a crash. Get the picture?  Out of the way is safest.

Fourth, if you must make a left turn and no signal or lane is provided for same, then continue forward and make three right turns (go around the block) and you will be heading in the desired direction. This is basic logic and also an excellent use of geometry.

Fifth, if you are in unfamiliar territory and just realized you are missing your turn, keep moving forward and find a safe place to sit and get your bearings, or make a safe turn when such is available. At no time should you make a sudden correction of direction or slam on the brakes in order to make the turn you intended to make. This rule eliminates more invitations for an unintended crash meeting.

Sixth, when cruising on the open highway, especially a four lane divided one, keep to the right unless you are passing a slower vehicle. That is the law. You are not allowed to cruise in the left lane. That is only intended to allow safe passing of other vehicles. If the right lane is moving faster than the traffic in the left lane, then you know conditions are not proper and great caution is indicated on your part!  It also indicates you must be in Wisconsin!

Seventh, when you use the left lane to pass another vehicle, do not slow down, but continue moving forward at a speed greater than the vehicle you are passing.  Otherwise you are not passing; you are just cruising in the other vehicle’s blind spot and creating a colossal back up in the passing lane. That is dumb. Pass reasonably quickly and then move into the right lane to allow the traffic behind you to clear.

            Eighth, keep your speed up to the prevailing traffic flow unless you spot a peril that they don’t. If they crash because of the peril, then you saved yourself from a nasty situation. However, if there is no peril, don’t become one by driving slower than everyone else on the road. If you are nervous and uncomfortable, find a safe place to pull off the road, let traffic pass, then resume your trip. If you are still uncomfortable, get off the road until you do feel comfortable or find someone else to drive your car.  Slower traffic is often the cause of accidents. They remain unscathed but others trying to avoid you get involved in a crash.

Ninth, do not use your hands-on phone while driving; do not text while driving; and do not check your emails on your phone while driving. Electronic distractions are a growing menace and cause of accidents. Increasingly it is against the law and for good reason!

Tenth, do not apply make-up or prepare your computer records for your next business appointment while driving. We all see you do it! We know what you are doing. You are going to cause an accident most likely involving your car. We witness your erratic use of your lane, your inability to keep up with traffic and notice that something is not right. That’s when we know what you are up to!  Please, be prepared for driving without either of these two distractions.

A bonus rule: please eat your meals before entering your car. A drippy egg sandwich or juicy burger makes for a dirty shirt/blouse front as well as distracted driving.

An extra bonus rule: do not install your contact lens while driving.  I know this makes sense in more ways than one, but still……

Carry on!

September 15, 2014