Readers urge thoughtful driving

When I recounted an auto trip to Western Washington and back a couple of weeks ago, it struck a nerve with some readers. It’s evident that certain driving behaviors evoke wonderment, or worse, anger on the roadways. Many times, this anger leads to aggression and rage, both of which are on the rise among drivers.

So, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, please don’t dominate the left lane when driving — it gets other drivers’ dander up. J.S. wrote that he would like to see more signs like the one seen at the base of Sunset Hill: “STATE LAW — All Vehicles Stay Right Except To Pass,” along with well-publicized citations.

•Another reader/driver, J.B., says he runs the left lane when the rough surface and stud-ruts in the right lane make driving difficult. He just keeps an eagle eye open for approaching vehicles, and moves over when indicated. I suppose that is not all bad, J.B., but it still could make things more difficult for a fast-closing emergency vehicle trying to decide which lane to use to get by you.

According to J.B., though, “What is even more aggravating is the driver who approaches at a fast pace — I move over — then he doesn’t pass but rides in the blind spot.” I had mentioned that aggravation in the “Crossing Washington” column, but didn’t know it would rank high up on the peeve list with tailgating and left-lane ownership. But it has and many readers chimed in about it, as G.B. did when he wrote, “Nothing ruins a long- or short-distance trip as much as a hanger-on in the blind spot.”

Drivers, if you are concerned about highway harmony, please make your passes with expediency. It creates danger and anger when you run at the left rear of another vehicle for lengthy periods. Approach, overtake, and continue on.

I also mentioned the illogical need to speed over relatively short distances (like Spokane to Seattle) — the insignificant time saved is not worth the risks (tickets and safety). Now if you are going to drive for 10-12 hours, operating over the limit at least has a payoff — driving 10 mph faster gains you over 100 miles. On shorter drives, however, you are not getting much of a time or distance benefit by speeding, and you are creating speed variances in relation to other drivers — one of the leading accident causes.

•D.W. agrees that “doing the math” should be a deterrent to unnecessary speeding. He recently wrote, “I often drive to the airport from the Valley and realize that the difference between 60 and 70 mph is about 3 minutes, if you don’t get stopped.”

That last part is something to take note of, D.W. Getting stopped is costly in time and dollars. You can speed enough, if determined though, to get a ticket and still beat me across the state. On my Washington crossing, a Lexus passed me at Denny Creek, got stopped in Ritzville for ticketing, and passed me again by Sprague Lake on his way back to Idaho. The problem is that it took 85-90 mph to do it, and then you are back to the safety issue.

•On a new subject, S.L. wondered, “If there isn’t some RCW relating to the stuff some people hang from their rear-view mirrors. There seems to be no limit on the variety and size of these things — and I think they really pose a vision obstruction hazard, especially in residential areas.”

S.L., there is 46.61.615, which forbids passengers to obstruct the driver’s view, and 46.37.400, which requires an inside rear-view mirror be present, maintained, and allow at least a 200-foot view to the rear. I may not have found the exact RCW to cover mirror hangers, but I’m sure a State Patrol officer can if your doodads are excessive.

I know that you are required to have a windshield, and you must be able to see out of it (driving frost-covered is illegal too, RCW or no). On mirror decoration, I’d say anything beyond a graduation tassel is excessive — and even the pride of displaying the fact that you received a diploma should wear off fairly soon. Why make the task of seeing vehicles and pedestrians more difficult?

•By the way, I’ve noticed signs like, “Neighbors Drive 25,” popping up in certain residential areas. I wonder, “How do they know?” I’m not positive they are neighbors, but I think that some of them may drive 30-35. I do get the point, however, and it’s a valid reminder to pay attention to officially posted limits and neighborhood conditions.

Thanks so much for your input. Those who have contributed, please keep it up; those who haven’t, try it, you’ll like it.