All to often, we Americans (particularly those in the midwest) drive like we have received no training or have no competency, have massive entitlement issues, and attempt control even minor situations out of ridiculous pride. In my next few blog posts, I will address what I see as some very common everyday driving errors that if we all worked hard at correcting, would ensure safer, more efficient, and generally more pleasurable driving experiences for us all.
Lesson 1: Using a Blinker.
Last time I checked, all cars in the United States and in most countries in the world come equipped standard with left and right handed turn indicator lights, or "blinkers" as we call them Stateside. First implemented in 1903, the blinker is a simple but essential automotive safety device, because it allows other driver and pedestrians to know of directional changes you are planning before you act. This allows them to prepare, yield if necessary, make course adjustments to avoid accidents or traffic snares. When you don't use them, you create all of the problems associated with the failure of the previously stated actions occurring. Don't expect everyone else on the road to anticipate your next move.
Ultimately, there is only one cause of lack of signaling, and that is overt laziness on the part of the vehicle operator. Should the devices malfunction, it is the responsibility of the operator to indicate using hand signals. There is no excuse for not signaling, no matter how it is attempted to be justified. Remember, it takes all of 0.5 seconds to flick the indicator stalk, but it takes much longer to settle your affairs (medical, insurance, body shop, car dealerships, etc) following an accident caused by your causal disregard for important communications between drivers on the road.
Lesson 2: Changing Lanes:
I'll keep this simple:
- use a blinker when changing lanes
-Check all three mirrors and your blind spot before changing lanes.
- Yeild to traffic in front of you when changing lanes from a stopped lane. If the car in front of you is indicating a lane change, don't try to race them around the stoppage. You'll probably cause an accident.
- The left lane is for faster traffic, the right for slower and merging traffic. Act accordingly.
- Yield the farthest left lane after you complete a passing maneuver. Do not drive in the far left lane when there is no passing undertaken (I'm talking to you, Illinois!)
-Show courtesy when changing lanes, and give others plenty of room as you negotiate traffic around them.
