Driving peeves: a never-ending story

It’s only been a couple of weeks since I last summarized the Inland Northwest residents’ major driving peeves. And in that column, I stated that these grievances were coming in at a rate as regular as Big Ben. Well, the big clock is still ticking in London, and drivers are still annoyed around here.

That last gripe guide already contained about 15 major aggravations, but the list lengthens. Even as I’ve typed this intro, Big Ben has only chimed once, but my e-mail inbox chime has gone off twice — that’s right, more driving pet peeves.

W.B., of Mead, has had enough of the misuse of two-way left turn lanes. He sees drivers use them just like regular lanes of travel for long distances. These drivers, W.B. attests, are using the lanes to build speed to merge, or just joy-riding there until their eventual left turn. The imprecision driving practice of slowing down before entering the two-way turn lanes bothers him too — the precision maneuver would be to enter the special-purpose lane then slow down.

A note on that first part of your complaint, W.B. — our Washington Driver’s Guide states that two-way left turn lanes cannot be used for travel farther than 300 feet. Also remember that these lanes are not to be used for passing.

T.S., in Spokane, wanted to vent about an “annoying habit” encountered while driving the rural two-lane roads. He wonders why so many drivers who wish to drive at a speed well below the posted limit can’t be consistent. They go slow on winding, no passing zones, then “go like blazes” on the straight sections or when passing lanes appear, but slow down again at the next turn. In other words, they like to block T.S. when he can’t pass, and won’t let him catch up when he can pass. I agree that this practice is bothersome, and downright unsafe, as I’ve said here before. Please try to maintain a constant speed — it will improve safety and even help fuel economy.

Spokane’s J.C. is downright put out when drivers cross the solid white line on freeway entrance ramps to his left. They cross the line and zoom past, or worse, cross it, and stay at his left, making his own freeway entrance difficult. T.S. says that he knows a State Patrol Officer who cites these offenders for illegal lane changing, or not properly staying in driving lane. It’s really just a matter of being aware of, and courteous to, your fellow drivers.

By the way, J.C. is further miffed when he sees drivers cutting through private lots to avoid intersections. He doesn’t ever see these scofflaws ticketed, even though it is illegal. J.C. is also concerned that poor drivers are not reading these columns, and that we may be “preaching to the choir.” Fear not, J.C. — I’ll continue to preach precision driving so as to permeate the populace with my message.

N.M. logs plenty of driving time on two-lane highways going to and from her Rockford residence. Her beef is with drivers who don’t dim their high beam headlights when approaching her from the front or rear. She can’t understand the indifference these drivers have to performing this simple task. I have cautioned drivers before about leaving fog lamps or “road lights” on, blinding other drivers head-on and via their rear view mirrors, but leaving headlights on full tilt around others is even more stupid. Again, awareness and common courtesy need to play a role here.

By the way, those who pester N.M. and others be advised, our Driver Guide reminds us that the minimum distance for dimming is 500 feet for an oncoming vehicle, and 300 feet for following one. The guide also tells us to look away from the headlights toward the right side of the road when a high beam offender approaches, to keep from being blinded. Also try to avoid the urge to “get back” at the other driver by using your high beams.

Speaking of headlights, M.S., of Spokane had a rather obscure, yet legitimate aggravation to report. He asked me, “Ever been to a boat launch at night”? Well, I have not, but according to your letter, many have, and they are not using proper dark-launch etiquette.

You see, as M.S points out, bass fisherman are backing their boats into the water after dark while leaving the tow vehicles’ headlights needlessly on. This thoughtless practice blinds others trying to back their trailers down the ramp next to them. M.S. would like to see parking lights used instead so you could see the guy on the ramp, but could also see your way to the ramp.

Often it is just little things we do to annoy others — when it comes to driving, though, it can lead to accidents, road rage, or even loss of life. Remember, eliminating bad driving habits assuages societal stress, and we have enough of that as it is.