Moves, turns and passes suggested

Please Get Moving

Talking with B.L. (no, not myself) yesterday, another driving aggravation came to light. He spoke of the one where a driver in front of you leaves from the newly turned-green-light at a snail’s pace, and continues at a turtle’s speed.

Safety is always a consideration, but slow is not synonymous with safe. When a light changes to green, even if you are just “Sunday driving,” B.L. asks, “Would you please accelerate to within 5 mph of the speed limit or so, within, let’s say, a block?” I concur — but remember, safety demands a quick check for red light runners before you blast off. In the absence of that danger though, or other hazards such as construction or pedestrians, please proceed with gusto.

Moving from a stop, and quickly getting near the posted speed is good for traffic flow, safety, and the nerves of drivers like B.L. (both the other one and me). I understand that fuel costs are at an all-time high, but even with reluctance, you must occasionally press down on the gas pedal in order to be considerate of others on the roadway.

Please Move over or Blast Past

Like many other Inland Northwest drivers, I spend lots of time driving two-lane highways. One of the driver difficulties found on these roadways is encountering and passing slow-moving vehicles. In a past column, I cited a theory from H.I. that these slow drivers, who refuse to move to the shoulder to allow easy passing, are responsible for many of the irresponsible maneuvers made by frustrated drivers trying to get by.

So, and the law accounts for this, if you are holding up other drivers as you drive slowly, the safest maneuver for everyone involved is for you to move over momentarily, allowing others to go past. Holding up five or more vehicles is illegal, but even holding up a couple is inconsiderate.

When there is a string of vehicles behind a slow-mover, the first held-up driver should make the pass — and expedite it. Otherwise, the cars farther back will attempt dangerous multi-vehicle passes. Since there seems to be a shortage of safe passing spots, please be considerate of others, and get on the gas for your pass. Washington law (and most other states) allows for exceeding the speed limit to pass. RCW 46.61.425 makes speeding legal while passing in the oncoming lane of traffic, provided you return to the posted speed as soon as possible.

Again, even with high-buck fuel, we must sometimes “floor it” for safety and expediency. Besides, occasional trips to redline help clean carbon deposits from your engine’s combustion chamber and valves.

More on ‘Free’ Turns

Last year, this column covered at length the subject of turns that are allowed upon a red light indication, commonly called “free” right or left turns. Last month, I briefly revisited the topic, and some readers had questions and thoughts as a result.

E.R. asked for some clarification of allowed turns, so here is what’s allowed in Washington (most states echo same): Right turns on red from a one-way to a one-way aiming right, from a one-way to a two-way, from a two-way to a one-way aiming right, and from a two-way to a two-way. Left turns on red are allowed from a one-way to a one-way aiming left, and from a two-way to a one-way aiming left.

Drivers, please remember that these turns are only permitted if there is no sign present prohibiting them, you have first made a complete stop, you yield to drivers and pedestrians who have a green light, and you turn from and to the proper lane.

Readers K.K. and L.H. both wanted to remind pushy drivers behind them that sometimes their view is blocked by a tall vehicle at a red light. When this occurs, they refuse to put their cars’ “noses” in peril by creeping into the intersection to gain visibility.

Unless your fleet operator forbids turns upon red indication, or lack of visibility disallows it, or the turn is otherwise ill advised or illegal, please proceed. The maneuver is allowed because it is safe when done properly, and it promotes traffic flow.

Please Opine

As always, the valuable input I receive from readers is truly appreciated. Besides that, it’s downright necessary so I can reflect your attitudes. Thanks again to those who sent in opinions, questions, peeves, and column topics. Please keep it up, and if I haven’t heard from you yet, I’d sure like to soon.