In response to the OT post on VPFree regarding the apoplectic grandma
at the yellow light, I offer these tidbits that seem to be passed over
at driving school:
First, no act of stupidity on the road (or anywhere else) is worth
getting too upset over. A curse word to yourself and a safe way
around the source of your exasperation is all that you can do without
affecting your own health. For instance, read the "man gets no
sentence for shoving death" article in today's (05/26) RJ. As sad as
it was for someone to die over a silly argument, it was just as silly
for someone to actually tail someone who cut them off just to yell at
them. If I tailed every person on the road that caused me to brake
unnecessarily, I'd never get to any of my destinations. Just let it
go. If you have some kind of insatiable desire to be upset, read the
news.
Second, don't cut people off. If you can see someone in your
rear-view (you know, the makeup mirror to your right) and they are
moving FASTER than you, be patient and wait until AFTER they pass
before changing lanes. Just because you turned the blinker on doesn't
mean that everyone else has to come to a screeching stop. Going to
miss your turn? Tough. Plan ahead better next time. For now, go to
the next turn and go the long way around.
Third, if you think that you are a "safe" driver because you refuse to
drive within 10 mph of the speed limit (35 on West Flamingo, for
instance), stay in the right lane. You are more likely to CAUSE an
accident for the large majority of drivers who drive at or slightly
above (5 mph) the speed limit who are all desperately trying to find a
way around you. This violates the all-encompassing "you're not the
only person on the road" rule.
Fourth, I'm not sure whether Nevada has different traffic laws than
every other state, but there is no requirement to tap the brakes when
going through a GREEN light. Does everyone do that here? I've seen
people blow right past me and still see brake light when they approach
the green. Weird, and exasperating.
Fifth, use your blinker BEFORE you hit the brake. The blinker isn't
to tell me that you are going to Wal-Mart, it's to warn the people
behind you that you are going to slow down. Putting your blinker on
after you've come to a complete stop is pretty much pointless.
Sixth, if you are at a red light during high traffic times, it is
polite to "jack-rabbit" a bit off the green. There is a long line of
cars behind you that all would rather make it through this time around
than wait another cycle. Don't drive recklessly, but if you can get
to the speed limit quickly and then coast, maybe one or two more
people behind you can get by safely rather than had you tortoised your
way to 30 mph as usual. Again, think of the "other guy".
Seventh, and this one was actually taught to me in driving school,
never, ever, ever hit the brakes on the highway. Of course, this is
assuming regular traffic. If you are repeatedly on the brake, you are
probably tailgating. If you are repeatedly on the brake and no one is
in front of you, you really need to stay off highways. Brakes on
highways are for evading accidents only. If you think you are going
too fast, simply take your foot off the gas. The car is heavy enough
to slow down by itself. Braking can cause accidents for those behind
you. Again, think of the other guy.
Any more?