- Don’t block the right turn lane. I think we can start this off pretty simply. If you’re heading straight, and there’s no right turn lane, make all best efforts to get your ass out of that lane into one of the left lanes. I should think the reasoning behind this is clear, but a surprising amount of people forget that other people who may want to turn right can do so on a red.
- Pass with caution. This one actually applies to a lot more situations than may be immediately obvious. Generally, if you’re driving at or below the speed limit, you won’t be the one passing, but there may come a time when you have to pass—do so quickly and efficiently, i.e., do not spend any more time in that lane than you have to. If you’re below speed, get up to speed before attempting the pass. Don’t dally in someone’s blind spot, especially if he too needs to pass. If that be the case, let him, and consider all the good karma you’ll get.
- Be courteous to stopped vehicles. This takes a bit from the previous rule and a bit from the next rule. I do a lot of driving on a four lane highway, and often there’s a stopped vehicle (often an emergency vehicle) stopped on the side of the road. This isn’t a law, or even written in stone, but if at all possible, use your blinker and give them some room. I guess would be even better if you pulled over and rendered assistance, but you can only expect so much of yourself.
- Use a blinker. This one’s a real no-brainer, because of how effectively it shows other people what you want and need. I personally don’t let anyone over without a blinker. Hey, I’m not that nice of a guy.
- Stay in your lane. This rule really just applies to those above who don’t use a blinker, and double turn lanes. Under no circumstances should you turn into anything other than your designated lane. I will honk at you if you attempt to do so. For minutes.
- Don’t speed. I get it, you’re probably one of those better drivers on the road. There probably isn’t anyone else on the stretch of boring road. Your wife is giving birth, or your son has broken his arm. Fuck you, fuck you all. There is no conditionality to this rule: do not speed! Regardless of what your personal beliefs are, and no matter how talented of a driver you may (and if you’re reading this, you probably are), but you cannot speed. Expensive tickets aside, the biggest problem is the contract you break between yourself and other drivers. People are going to (rightly) assume you’re traveling a given speed, and doing anything else is putting people at risk needlessly. It’s notoriously difficult to judge how fast things are moving to begin with, but judging a speed delta between someone going to the speed limit, and the ass who feels it’s fine to do that speeding is nigh impossible. Stick to that contract, let people expect and assume—that is, do not speed.
- Don’t be a dick. This is a more of a general life lesson that can apply very specifically to driving. Be polite to the best of your ability, without putting yourself or anyone else in danger. It’s not hard, just be nice.
Posted by mt2 on December 11th, 2009