On readers’ minds

Readers regularly comment on the topics presented here.  And those remarks are often the impetus for column content, including:  dissecting rules of the road, examining driver behavior, discussing local traffic issues and touting safety reminders.

The majority of reader commentary is positive, and it’s encouraging that those drivers attempt to afford proper attention to the driving task.

There’s been negative reaction too — namely within a recent handwritten letter describing the columns as “nagging” people to drive properly.  I suspect the note came from one of the sloppy drivers I often call out, and offense was taken by my audacity to request that such scofflaws see the errors of their ways.

But I’m reassured by letters like I.B.’s, who wrote, “Thank you for your good reading articles. The problem is the people that don’t read them and the lots of things to learn from them.”

Thanks, I.B.  But judging by the emails received, including the letter of complaint, many people do read them — maybe even those marginal drivers.  I hope some, like I.B., appreciate the intent of the columns:  expressing driving basics (rules of the road, vehicle operation, attentiveness) and enhancing safety.

I.B. knows the importance of those basics, and named some by writing, “I had good drivers ED teachers in San Diego, served overseas and drove a lot all over Europe but the best was when I went thru the Washington State Law Enforcement Academy in 1982. The best thing I learned and still do today is to often check your driving areas, and planning. Look down the road, not just two car lengths, check right and left mirror, check rear view mirror, look over right shoulder and left. Stay out of blind spots.”

He also posed a question, asking, “You have written numerous times of driving in the left lanes of the freeway. Does the WSP enforce this as I see this all the time? One of the biggest causes of road rage.”

I’m glad I.B. did not consider those numerous writings to be “nagging,” but rather attempts to curtail the selfish, illegal, unsafe and aggravating practice of occupying the left lane continuously without cause.  I will attest that the Washington State Patrol Troopers I ride with DO enforce the rule to “stay right except to pass” and cite offending drivers.  It doesn’t receive the emphasis that DUI, speeding and following too closely do, but enforcing those offences is justified by their statistical accident potential.

Reader M.S. wrote of roundabouts, noting and asking, “My experience is that far too many interpret the Yield (that is on all four corners) as Stop. My impression is that it is more of a Merge, to keep traffic flowing. Admittedly that requires a more aggressive approach, yet those timid drivers who stop until no cars are in sight are clearly uncomfortable with that. Would my experience be different in Europe where they have had round-a-bouts for years?”

M.S. is correct that many drivers timidly stop before entering roundabouts when they could seamlessly merge into them.  His experience would be different in Europe where drivers are more familiar with roundabouts and consequently use them properly to make the passive traffic control devices work efficiently. We can only hope that the proliferation of them here will eventually have the same result!  Unfortunately, I have heard many drivers, evidently resistant to change, dismiss roundabouts as “stupid.”

Readers may contact Bill Love via email at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.