I will not boast that I am the best driver. Although some (ahem… my boyfriend) do. Sometimes I California Stop… I don’t always yield to pedestrians… and I am a chronic speeder… BUT… here are my TOP 6 Driving Pet Peeves:
**A few months ago I was pulled over because the officer thought I was talking on my phone. I told him that his accusations were impossible. He didn’t believe me until I showed him my phone…securely stored in the trunk of my car. No joke.
Please, let's all practice safe and considerate driving.
1) If you make a turn, must you turn in the opposite direction first?
The occurrence of this seems to be declining, but why do people have to swing out to the left before they make a right hand turn????
2) Tailgating
No excuse. No reason. Period. Get off my ass. You're making me want to slow down. I feel safe in assuming that’s the opposite of what you’re wanting. You can cause an accident that will involve you, me and probably too many innocent bystanders.
3) Working lights and knowing how to use them
3a: Headlights. There’s a rule about this, I know. There’s something about dusk and dawn? Don’t know, but use common sense. While driving a few days ago I saw a SUV without their lights on – it’s 6:30 PM in November… it’s dark as hell.
3b: Hi-beams. They are really effective when used correctly. THEY ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUAL WORKING HEADLIGHTS. I'm talking about those vehicles that you just know their headlights don't work, so the brights have to be used instead. Just fix the headlights!
4c: Brake lights. What, are you nuts? Do you really want to go out in traffic and get yourself killed???
5d: Turn signals. Oh, geez… where do I start...
5d1: Turn them on.
This is the easiest and safest thing you can do behind the wheel, right after putting your damn seatbelt on. Are you kidding me? When someone doesn’t use their lights, it makes me want to go up to their car, reach in the window, yank off the entire turn signal stalk from the steering column and yell, "It's obvious you don't need this since you don't use it!!" If I see someone who wants in my lane, at least I know what they’re doing and I'll let them in. Oh, and here's a courtesy thing: If you're in a crowded parking lot, cruising the aisles looking for a parking space, and you stop and block the aisle because you see someone getting in a car to leave, use your turn signal to let the people know behind you what you're up to. Otherwise, you're just in the middle of the aisle and no one can get around you. People may get less excited if they knew you actually found a potential spot and you're waiting for it.
5d2: Turn them off.
Yes, we all know about the Senior Citizens that seem to go for miles with their turn signals on. I've got news for you - they're not the only ones. There's nothing worse than being on a highway with a guy with a turn signal on. Can you pass him? How do you know that he's intending to make a lane change? YOU DON'T KNOW. Approach with caution because whether he knows it or not, he's causing problems. At least he used his signal at least once, so you can't fault him for that.
5e: Hazards. When you are going 35 mph on a highway the least you can do is turn on your hazard lights to let us know that you know you're doing 35 instead of being oblivious to those around you doing the speed limit or, heaven forbid, those people doing well over it.
3b: Hi-beams. They are really effective when used correctly. THEY ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR ACTUAL WORKING HEADLIGHTS. I'm talking about those vehicles that you just know their headlights don't work, so the brights have to be used instead. Just fix the headlights!
4c: Brake lights. What, are you nuts? Do you really want to go out in traffic and get yourself killed???
5d: Turn signals. Oh, geez… where do I start...
5d1: Turn them on.
This is the easiest and safest thing you can do behind the wheel, right after putting your damn seatbelt on. Are you kidding me? When someone doesn’t use their lights, it makes me want to go up to their car, reach in the window, yank off the entire turn signal stalk from the steering column and yell, "It's obvious you don't need this since you don't use it!!" If I see someone who wants in my lane, at least I know what they’re doing and I'll let them in. Oh, and here's a courtesy thing: If you're in a crowded parking lot, cruising the aisles looking for a parking space, and you stop and block the aisle because you see someone getting in a car to leave, use your turn signal to let the people know behind you what you're up to. Otherwise, you're just in the middle of the aisle and no one can get around you. People may get less excited if they knew you actually found a potential spot and you're waiting for it.
5d2: Turn them off.
Yes, we all know about the Senior Citizens that seem to go for miles with their turn signals on. I've got news for you - they're not the only ones. There's nothing worse than being on a highway with a guy with a turn signal on. Can you pass him? How do you know that he's intending to make a lane change? YOU DON'T KNOW. Approach with caution because whether he knows it or not, he's causing problems. At least he used his signal at least once, so you can't fault him for that.
5e: Hazards. When you are going 35 mph on a highway the least you can do is turn on your hazard lights to let us know that you know you're doing 35 instead of being oblivious to those around you doing the speed limit or, heaven forbid, those people doing well over it.
Seriously? Why do people do this? It’s very easy to make a smooth transition when making a turn. Unless it’s icy, there’s no need to come to a complete stop.
You know who you are. The people that see the MERGE sign and wait until the last minute to try and squeeze their way in. I don’t think so, Mr. Yes, I am that person who won’t let you in. I learned that rule in kindergarten: NO CUTS!
This is not only a safety issue, but a legal issue**. There are ways to safely use your device, but some choose otherwise. BLARG! I get so irritated when the light turns green and I can tell that the person in front of me is too busy texting to notice!! Facebook, Twitter... your mom... can wait. Just don’t do it!
**A few months ago I was pulled over because the officer thought I was talking on my phone. I told him that his accusations were impossible. He didn’t believe me until I showed him my phone…securely stored in the trunk of my car. No joke.
Please, let's all practice safe and considerate driving.
1 comment:
I totally agree! Especially about the tailgating! Hilarious post.
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