Driving in California

I drive a lot in my line of duty and it’s no secret that there are crazy drivers. To be more specific, there are crazy inconsiderate drivers who probably think the road is theirs. The first thing my dad said to me when I was about to learn how to drive is, “Do you know the number one rule in driving? Share the road.“

Alright, I get it, there’s a meeting that you need to get to. Your kid just got out of school. Your car was built for HARD driving BUT, that doesn’t mean the road becomes yours. Below are some of my peeves in driving:

1. Slow traffic keep RIGHT –>

Hold yous hands in front of you palms down. Now, make an “L” shape with your thumb and index fingers. The one that’s not a backward ‘L’ is your right. Ok, just want to make sure that’s clear. Now, I know you might be going the speed limit, good for you, keeping safe is great. But please move to the right –> when the crazy speedster is creeping up in your rear view mirror (which you should be glancing at anyway) because if you don’t, that crazy speedster will do something even more crazy and switch off into the other slower lanes. I really don’t get it, what is this need to be in the fast lane when the other lanes are at your pace? Oh and sometimes you hit those slowskys in the fast lane going BELOW the speed limit. Why? WHy? Oh Em Gee, WHY? Just move to the right! I know it’s rude and I shouldn’t do it because I hate it when it’s done to me, but I’ll get close enough to make eye contact with you in your rear view mirror (again, if you even look at it). Is it being inconsiderate or forgetting a general rule? If it’s forgetting, there’s signs telling you so. Ok, besides my rants and what seems to be road rage, sorry, here are the legit reasons at this site. One of the reasons, is that’s actually against the law (in Cali).

2. “Oh Hi…no I’m not busy, I’m just on the road.”

I think we are all guilty of this one at one point or another. We all believe we can handle a simple thing like a text  or handling a call while on the road. I know, here’s another person singing the same old tune and it ain’t gonna help. Neither is hearing about how many accidents and deaths are due to cellphone usage in a car and neither is Oprah. So I’m just going to rant a bit because it really is inconsiderate and I don’t like inconsiderate. I remember when I was behind a car during 4:00pm traffic on the freeway and he would swerve a tad here and there. Then I looked closely (from a safe distance of course) and realized his head was pointing down for a good portion of the drive. “Ok I get it” moment: It’s traffic, it’s boring, let me check my email, scrabble move, calls I have to return, whatever. Fool, you’re not looking at the other cars around you, a.k.a., the people around you. I want to get home too and you’re slowing way the F down. Why? because you have to be on the phone. Wouldn’t it make more sense to get to the place you need to be first, then tend to your phone needs after? I notice a lot things change in a driver when s/he is on the phone while driving such as speed, lane of choice, and just plain consideration of other drivers. There is so much more heartfelt things that can be said about this point, but you know the deal.

3. “My exit! I’ll stop here in this lane until someone lets me in!”

Really, it’s cutters. When you’re a kid, you were brave if you were able to cut in front of everyone and dealing with the backlash of complainers behind you. When you’re in a car, you don’t have to deal with shouting at you because your windows are rolled up tight and tinted. The most annoying move is stopping a whole line of traffic to get into the lane you needed to 20 cars ago. Why do you get this privilege your majesty?  Yes, it’s a pain to miss your exit and do a U-turn later. That’s what happens when you’re not prepared or just wait patiently. If you miss it, you miss it. Now you have to try again from a different direction. Who knows, you might find a whole new world around the corner, go take an adventure and be considerate at the same time.

4. No scissors needed, I cut you off!

Share the road, I am right in that corner called “blind spot.” You turn your whole head over your shoulder and take a peak. All I’m asking is a peak. If someone is there, don’t just move in like it’s your house all of a sudden. I hate it when people do this to me and sometimes it happens so fast that I don’t have time to teach a good lesson with a little honk. Next time though, I promise to hold the horn down and be right behind you. Oh yes, I will do it. I am very curious. That is plain rude because everyone else has to watch out for you? I don’t think so.

5. Motorcycles are invisible

Motorcyclists, you’re invisible not invincible. I don’t want to hit you. I usually make room for your rebel-highness, but your risky driving hold me responsible because my heavy vehicle will destroy you. No fancy moves around me please, I am trying my best to be on the look out for you but sometimes, with crazy swerves and such, there is nothing I can really do. Please keep your Evel Knievel antics at a safe distance.

Ok I am done with this ranting. I got less detailed and “ranty” as I went down. Proof that letting it out works. The moral of the story kids, be aware that you’re not the only one driving and share the road.