It seems to me that people these days think that driving is a right not a privledge. Just because you were able to pass a written exam and maybe an actual driving test years ago doesn't mean you still know how to drive or you have the right to have a drivers license. My frustration continues to grow regarding the driving ability of people in our fine country. I'm not claiming to be the best driver and fully recognize I have improvement areas but since I live in a country in which I have the right to speak freely (provided it doesn't break any laws :>)) I'm going to use my blog to do so.
1. Turn Signals - I'm surprised at the number of car manufacturer's that have stopped installing turn signals in vehicles. I thought there were laws about using turn signals but I guess not since NOBODY uses their turn signals. I use my turn signal in my neighborhood and even when in parking lots but I clearly seem to be the only person that actually knows what they are used for. What are the statistics for traffic accidents caused by someone not using their turn signals?
2. Too much focus on cell phones and texting - what I mean by this is our wonderful government representatives that are responsible for passing laws seemed to be focused on people that are on the cell phone or texting while driving, how about passing a law that makes doing anything but driving illegal while you are driving. What about the people I pass every morning that are reading the newspaper, eating breakfast, putting on make-up or shaving. The issues go way beyond talking on the phone and texting.
3. You do not own the road - yes we all pay taxes but so do people that actually use crosswalks, so do people on bicycles that have a legal right to be on the roads. Yes there are people that jay walk and think you must stop for them, yes there are cyclists and motorcyclists that do not obey the rules of the road but there are many that do obey those rules.
4. Riding my A$$ won't make me drive faster - when I'm already going above the speed limit (I know that is breaking the law) and you continue to ride my a$$ don't think I'm going to drive faster. More than likely your weaving in and out of traffic, cutting people off and slamming on your breaks will actually cause us to arrive to our destinations at the same time or I might even get there before you.
5. Give yourself enough time to get to your destination - when the weather is bad, that means you should allow more time to get to where you are going. It's like one of the golden rules!
OK, so I could go on and on but for now this list makes me happy!
I remember a night of driving a little over the speed limit in college. Did you use your turn signals then?
ReplyDeleteBTW I agree completely with you. Too many unqualified drivers are out there. When Tab was 5 she said she wasn't going to drive, she would take the bus. I am going to hold her to that :)