April 1, 2000

Driving

My sole responsibility...

I have come to the conclusion that it is my sole responsibility to demonstrate proper driving techniques. "Lead by example" they say, so every weekday morning I do just that. If you observe a speedy little Red Suzuki Swift whizzing by you, I'd like you to pay particular attention. Don't be alarmed, you may even learn something. Don't get me wrong, I am capable of bad driving techniques as much as the next guy. I am continually learning how to address the many problems that I am confronted with in driving. All's I'm tryin' ta say is... "wake up people, drive right!"

Have you ever noticed the driving habits of people on the 401 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada? It seems to me that they have forgotten how it is to actually drive. Simple tasks like "signaling" prior to changing lanes and driving in the "passing" lane have been almost utterly forgotten, or at least misunderstood. I've actually heard a story of a sorry little fellow whom decided he won't signal lane changes because 'I don't like the clicking sound.' This is appalling! The kind of people with this 'attitude' should not be allowed to drive.

Have any of you observed other drivers techniques in day to day stuff? When a person needs to change lanes he needs to make sure that there are no obstacles impeding the move, and that other drivers are to be made aware of the intent of the lane change. There is a prescribed 'proper etiquette' in changing lanes. Look to see if your action will interfere with anyone, or anything else. Identify to the outside world your intent by signaling Always look ahead, to the sides and behind. Remember people, you are in a moving vehicle! Watch out for trucks for they need much more lead time to make decisions and evaluate your moves. Don't forget those motorbikes! They are capable of extremely quick movements. You can be shocked by the appearance of a motorcycle if you haven't looked! Look ahead, look behind, be aware damn you...

Drive carefully, there are bricks littering the highway. Yup, bricks, they're the people who drive in their own little worlds. They're totally oblivious to the world that exists around them. huh? "Isn't it 'my' world?" Remember, your world is alongside many other people's worlds. Acknowledge that fact. The word is AWARE.

Hear me now, the passing lane is the furthermost left lane of any highway. Use it for passing, not for cruising. Remember, passing wind does not count! So, if you see me whizzing by shaking my head, look around you. See if you should be somewhere else. I prefer driving in the center lane, it gives me so many options. Slower vehicles should drive on the should lane, oh, by-the-way... you shouldn't go too slow on a highway either!

Of course, before you actually get on the highway, you must be prepare yourself. Merging into traffic can be hectic. Sometimes the slower drivers are not allowing you to merge. You should not have to stop, or slow down go get on the highway. Drivers in the 'slow' right-hand lane should either speed up, or slow down to allow you access. Some drivers are totally oblivious and unaware, they seem to purposely block any attempts to merge. This is bad, very, very bad. What I try to do, if I'm in the right-hand lane when someone is attempting to merge is change lanes. I temporarily change into the center lane permitting the merging traffic to enter! Is that so hard?