Driving Pet Peeves
January 24, 2007 (4 comments)
I am now a proud citizen of the state of Kentucky, the Commonwealth if you will. The slogan for this state is "Unbridled Spirit", and Kentucky drivers really live that out, thinking that there is nothing holding them back while on the road. It just drives me nuts, no pun intended. I have some pet peeves, and these are true across the entire country, not just Kentucky.
No Turn Signal
Apparently turning on your turning signal when you are making a turn isn't that big of a deal. The inventors of the signal knew it would be hard for people to use, so they put the action of the signal in the name - Turning Signal. If I had a dollar for every time I've sat a stoplight, turning left (with my signal on mind you) and about five cars turn in front of me with no signal, I'd have at least $143.
The Merging Lane
You know that middle lane on a four-lane road that is considered the turning lane? Well, it drives me nuts when people use it as a merging lane. I definitely don't mind people pulling out and stopping there to wait on traffic to pass, but don't pull out and drive right beside expecting me to slow down to let you in. That is a huge disruption on the flow of traffic and that goes against everything I know.
Mr. or Mrs. No Lights
If it's dark outside, just turn your lights on. I'm not sure what people are thinking when they drive around with only their parking lights on, but it's not helping. To add to the mahem, these people decide to drive as if they are having a baby or they are about to be late on a movie rental.
Anti Right Lane
Seriously, what's up with it? Why does everyone want to drive in the left lane even if not to pass. This is such an epidemic that law makers are putting up the signs, "Slow traffic use right lane except to pass." Maybe they think all the cool people are doing it, so I should too. I do know the right lane is more worn and the left can be a little smoother during bad weather, but that's no excuse. You'll get a quick double-honk from me if you don't move.
No Thanks, Go Ahead
If I come to a stop sign and wave you on, don't feel like it would be a nice gesture to instead wave me on ex post facto. The first wave is the official wave, so you have to honor it. Once other waves break out, chaos ensues. It always starts when I give up and start to go, then the second waver goes, so I stop and he stops. This happens twice and he smiles and mouths, "Sorry." And I mouth back, "It's fine." Then we both go again. This continues until one person finally speeds away. What I do now is wave and sit there until the person honors my wave.