I have been becoming increasingly annoyed with most roadway users of late. here are a few points to keep in mind while motoring:
turn signals - use them. not just when you feel like it, but all of the time. if you always signal, you get in the habit of signaling, instead of just doing so when convenient or when you want to cut in somewhere. signaling before a turn or lane change might just let that driver in your blind spot know you're there and avoid a bump. also, it is important to remember that signaling a lane change is a request to other motorists, not a demand. and it doesn't cost you anything (except maybe a few seconds added to your travel time) to be nice and let someone else in when possible.
highway protocol - slower traffic keep right. seriously. it seems like most people were never told that it is unsafe, and in certain states illegal, to pass on the right. if you aren't going faster than the people to your right, move over. and if someone behind you is quickly catching up, move over to let them by. the only reason to be in the left-most lane is to pass a slower-moving vehicle or allow someone to merge onto the roadway. if everyone followed these simple rules instead of weaving in and out of traffic with absolutely no rhyme or reason, traffic problems and accidents would be greatly reduced.
mirrors - use them too. get in the habit of checking behind and to either side of you periodically. having an idea of where other vehicles are around you is very helpful. always check your rearview mirror when slowing down and stopping. in the event that the person following you does not notice your brake lights, you will be in a better position to get out of their way. also, don't check next to you or turn to check your blind spot while changing lanes, do so
before moving from your current lane. don't just assume everyone else will get out of your way.
construction zones and the merging dilemma - if you see a sign for a lane closure or lane closures up ahead don't slam on the breaks or try to speed up and get over 2 miles before the shift. instead, continue driving and alternate with the vehicles in other lanes to get down to the correct number of lanes without stopping traffic. and don't weave from lane to lane when you're in a traffic jam, just be patient.
if everyone was a little more predictable in their driving habits, much like Europeans are, we could remove a lot of time and grief from motor transportation. that said, always assume the other motorist doesn't see you and plan for the worst. predict when they are about to do something wrong and always have a way out.
plan ahead. pay attention. be courteous.
and enjoy yourself.
big up all yourselves,
>dg>
