December 20, 2005
Driving Lessons
Driving Lessons
It seems to me that there are a few things that today's drivers seem to have missed in their driving lessons.
First, turn signals. Use them. It would be nice to know what the other drivers are doing. Although I know that sometimes using a turn signal marks you as the person to cut off, it is generally nice to have some notion of what the driver in another car is about to do. And if you see someone trying to merge lanes and using their signals -- don't cut them off. They deserve a reward. I admit to being a bit obsessive about the subject and I use my turn signal in deserted parking lots -- better to keep the habit up at all times, I say, than to let it lapse.
Second, when it is rainy and grey outside, turn on your headlights. Yes, during the day time the world is light enough for you to see without them, but it is helpful to others if they can see you.
Third, mirrors are nice. They help you see behind you, but they are not a replacement for turning your head. Check your blindspots when merging lanes and do not back up using only your mirrors. Especially, do not back up using only your mirrors while driving one handed and talking on a cell phone in a busy parking garage with tight spaces.
Follow these simple rules and driving will go better for all of us.
This would make a very good education piece for any newspaper in Colorado. Unfortunately, it would probably be published as an op-ed piece... You know, it's just an OPINION. Arrgh.
Posted by: patricia at December 20, 2005 10:56 AMI have been joshed for my turn-signal habit as well. But you never know, maybe there's some pedestrian or someone on a bike who'd like to know where you're turning!
Posted by: Lenise at December 20, 2005 03:01 PMIf you really want to be obsessive about it, you could use your turn signal when you go around sharp curves in the road, like my DH. Oh wait...he does that because he's airheaded, not obsessive! He normally forgets to use his! Hahahaha!
Posted by: chewymom at December 20, 2005 05:26 PMThat is our bigget peeve in our house. Both my husband and I can't stand the random switching of lanes with no signal, or even worse the post lane change signal.
Posted by: Sarah G. at December 21, 2005 12:08 AMIf you don't mind, I'd like to spring an early Thursday 3 at you:
1. Does your husband share in your sentiments, or do you need to "gently correct" him while he is driving and commits a non-signal offense?
2. Do you (and he?) find yourselves extra careful in referring to other drivers and the particular names you use, with little ears in your vehicle?
3. Have you been involved in an accident as a result of a non-signal offense?
This topic usually splits along gender lines, where the (concerned/caring) females feel the need to signal at all times while (aggressive/king-of-the-road) males may occasionally signal by chance (and usually do not feel the need).
Jordana Adams, Chief Pontificator