Rules of the Road

When we were in high school, most of us were concerned about passing our written driving test and then doing everything correctly to get our license.  It seems like many of us forget the rules of the road as soon as we get that slip of paper with our photograph on it.  I’m not even talking about driving while talking on a cell phone or texting at every stoplight.  I’m talking about the basic rules that protect all of us from each other while driving.

Turn Signals.  They’re on every car’s steering column for a reason.  They let other drivers know you are turning and therefore slowing down.  If your insurance premiums aren’t high enough, hit someone in the rear and see how high they can go.  Turn Signals also alert other cars to the fact that you are changing lanes or exiting roadways.   They are for your safety as well as that of other drivers. 

Stop Signs.  They instruct you to come to a complete STOP and look both ways before entering into traffic.   The sign doesn’t mean slow down and pull out in front of an unsuspecting car.  The stop sign means the same thing whether you are driving in a parking lot or on the roadway.  A right turn on red also requires a full stop before proceeding into oncoming traffic.

Speed Limits.  These signs inform you what is a safe rate of speed for traveling on varying roads.  They don’t tell you to drive faster no matter what speed the sign reads.  They don’t instruct you to tailgate anyone traveling the posted speed.  It would be to everyone’s advantage to slow down and obey the speed limit.  Remember the expression: “The life you save may be your own?”

The rules of the road apply to bicycles too.  Bicycles must ride with traffic and obey all traffic signs.  Bicyclists must walk their bicycles on the sidewalk.  Pedestrians should use the sidewalk whenever possible, but where there are none, walk against the traffic flow.  Pedestrians are considered jaywalkers when not in the crosswalks.

One pet peeve of mine is the handicapped hang tag.  It is illegal to ride with them hanging from your rearview mirror just like it is illegal to have a pair of fuzzy dice or your graduation tassels in the same location.  If you are handicapped, the last thing you need is a hangtag blocking your line of sight.  Take it down while driving and put it back up when you park in a designated spot.  If your hangtag has expired, stop cheating and leave the handicapped spaces for those who truly need it.