If you drive everyday and at least once each time you end up shaking your head at the antics you see from other drivers then you can relate to this story. If, as a driver, you have a significant number of instances where drivers are honking their horns at you, shaking their heads or fists at your actions, or flicking their headlights into your rear view mirror in an attempt to blind you...this article is definitely for you. Finally, if you have -- on at least one occasion -- stepped out of your vehicle and to confront another driver in anger, hopefully you can glean some wisdom from these words.
The mix of drivers and attitudes are as diverse as the faces you see as you stroll down any street in North America. And while no two persons are truly the same, their behaviour can be grouped into general categories. Having said this, please don't be offended by what is written here, the intention is to amplify and enlighten areas that should be improved upon and is nothing to be considered personally derogatory.
Okay! Let's kick this off with my personal and most frequently seen irritant.
The Surprise Signaller
'Ahh,Yes,' some of you are saying to yourselves for you know this driver well. This is the person who travels along at a good clip and with little warning brakes sharply, slaps on the signals and turns the corner; during this whole time you are standing on the brake pedal with your heart in your throat! If I could sit with this person the question I really need to ask them is, "Do you really think I care where you're going?" I mean, really? What need is there to cloak your intentions in such a way, unless you are trying to shake off an enemy agent. The entire vehicle you are driving is designed for communication, did you know that? Sure is, the headlights illuminate your path as well as warn everyone ahead of your approach, the inverse is true of the tail and brake lights. Hence the name, signal lights or more commonly used term, Turn Signals. Do everyone a favour, put your signals on well ahead to time to signal the drivers around you of your intention to turn. The first thing you will notice is that truck that seems to be attached to your rear bumper will back off as you come to make your move, the second thing you will notice is a sharp reductions in the number of honking, angry drivers that you leave behind. See? Wasn't that easy?
Intersection Insurrections
Man, I could write a book on this topic alone. First of all, of any piece of real estate in existence out there in the world, the intersection is the least respected and single most lethal property this side of Three Mile Island. Why anyone would put on make-up, tune their car stereo, or accelerate out of impatience on approach of an intersection can only be considered asinine in my humble opinion. This is one place where my 'Trouble Radar' is blasting out a full strength. Don't actively brake when coming to one, irritating the following traffic, simply cover your brake pedal with your foot and be prepared for trouble. I follow a steadfast set of rules when I come to cross traffic; SLOW--KNOW--SHOW--GO. Slow means as described above, for gosh sakes, why rush into trouble? Know where you're going upon approach; In the intersection is NOT the correct time to figure this out. Show, by use of proper signals your intent ahead of time so everyone gathered can see what you are doing. Go, if safe to do so! A green light is not carte blanche that you can obliviously charge through. Read your local traffic laws, except perhaps in Beijing, it should say, 'Proceed if safe to do so.'
The above is critical to understand because invariably during rush hour traffic I see the most frustrating infraction of all. Traffic in their direction of travel is so congested that it has backed up to the far side of the intersection leaving the next motorist no room. The light is stale green and the driver decides to chance zipping across and stops in the intersection as it goes yellow and ultimately red. Now at least one full lane of cross traffic is blocked. This driver is assaulted by a hail of blaring horns and insults, all the while the driver pretends to have blinders on and stares intently on the car ahead -- praying it will move to give them room. Lord above, if I was ever tempted to violence -- this is the time. Simply folks, this is the single most selfish act one can perform not to mention being a direct contributor to grid lock. You don't have to love your fellow driver, just be a little altruistic and say to yourself: "I can't go at this moment, so I'll let others go instead." Then stay at the stop line even though it's a green light. YES! You heard me correctly, wait until there is room for your vehicle on the far side before attempting to cross and you will have the silent, emphatic thanks of many of your fellow motorists.
