As promised in our last post, we are sharing pet peeves. This post will address the actions of on-the-road drivers who have forgotten either the rules, courtesy, become distracted or are simply poor drivers. They jeopardize every road trip for all of us.
- INTERSECTION INTERACTION- Apparently many drivers panic when they approach an intersection. The cause is: WHO GOES FIRST? WHEN CAN I GO? WHAT HAPPENS IF WE BOTH GET TO THE STOP SIGN AT THE SAME TIME? The basic rule is right of way. The driver to your right-if only two cars are present and both arrive at the same time– has the first move through the intersection. If several cars are lined up it’s very simple. You take turns. When confusion occurs feel free to wave a car forward. But, be very careful because that driver may assume all is clear and someone else may not get the message and plow into the driver you signaled. As basic as this sounds, many drivers seem clueless.
- TURN SIGNALS-You learned that turn signals must be used when turning or changing lanes or entering/exiting a parallel parking spot. That was part of your driver’s road test. We would guess that at least half of drivers fail to use these signals. That is especially irritating when an approaching driver is making a turn that does not block your path and you wait unnecessarily for them to reach your location. How many times have you seen a driver pull up to a parallel parking place and stop–assuming that you as the following vehicle can read their mid and know what they’re planning to do?
- RECKLESS SPEEDING- This happens mostly on expressways. Some drivers fantasize that they are leading in the Indianapolis 500 race and they must beat you to the next exit or else. Some drivers change lanes on highways (no turn signals) to gain a few feet of room because their lane is too slow. They sometimes risk everyone’s life for a few extra feet. Usually you will catch up to them if you just drive at the normal speed.
- NORMAL SPEEDING- Take any highway drive and count the number of drivers who exceed the posted MPH limit by at least 10 MPH. Recently our area needed money to replace a bridge. We suggested that the police simply increase highway patrols and double the speeding fines for a year. Without doubt, the fines would have more than paid for the bridge replacement. Speed kills.
- STOP LIGHT DECORATIONS- We always see cars running red lights. When you were learning to drive your instructor probably told you that a when a yellow light is in view–YOU SHOULD TRY TO STOP SAFELY. But today’s drivers see a yellow light and “gun it”. This is dangerous and illegal. Sharing the road means watching out for the safety of the other person. Running a red light often results in a “T Boning” that cause severe injury and/or death. Think before you act.
- DISTRACTIONS- Most people think that cell phones are the major distraction for drivers. And they’re right but many other factors can be present. Stress over lateness, anger, depression, conversation, laughing, eating/drinking, road conditions, weather, mechanical car issues–all these and more can cause a driver to forget about safety, make unwise decisions and cause problems for themselves and others.
There are many other traffic “pet peeves” and we’re sure you have your own list. The key is to remember that sharing the road is a lot safer and more enjoyable if we all focus on safety and comfort as we drive. It’s been said that “the most dangerous part of the car is the nut that holds the wheel”. Don’t be that “nut”.
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