Precision driving: Worthy messages merit repetition
In life, there is much wisdom that stands the test of time. Certain snippets from this all-time knowledge bank merit continuous broadcast.
We all know the importance of a positive attitude, for example, but I know of no motivational speaker who leaves that topic out of his speech. No matter how often we’ve heard the message, its importance merits its repetition.
Driving is part of life, so it follows that many of its tenets bear repeating. In fact, with the stakes involved, namely lives and costly citations, proper driving dogma is among the most important set of principles we must follow.
Through reader feedback and driving exposure, I am constantly reminded of these noteworthy elements of the doctrine of driving — here are a few of them.
Freeway merging
J.B. recently sent me a note inquiring about the right of way during a freeway merge. He questioned who has to yield at the top of the ramp.
This topic involves both a legal and a moral issue. Legally, drivers of vehicles entering limited access highways via on ramps must yield to vehicles already upon those highways. Especially short ramps often have a YIELD RIGHT OF WAY sign at their ends.
On all ramps, long or short, an entering driver should be looking over his or her shoulder as they head up the ramp, seeking a way to time a graceful merge. To avoid confrontation, however, I believe drivers on the freeway have a moral obligation to accommodate a “painless” merge. If the lane to a freeway driver’s left is available at the time they see a vehicle near the top of the entrance ramp, they should move left to allow the entering driver use of the now open right hand lane.
It usually takes cooperation of more than one driver to accomplish this maneuver, and avoid anger or incident. It’s a part of precision driving that everyone should master. If drivers on the freeway do not move left, ramp drivers must regulate their speeds to merge without affecting them.
Speed zones
Good drivers must always be on the alert for speed zones. Aside from the implication of the name, these are not zones for speed, but rather reduction of speed.
There are many typical speed zones, such as streets near schools, or entrances to towns, and most drivers watch for them. But from what I’ve seen lately, temporary speed zones in areas undergoing construction, or near parks, for instance, may go unnoticed.
During summer, when road construction is omnipresent and swimming pools are open, drivers must be on special watch for official slowdown signage. Just today, I was tightly tailgated as I drove past Comstock Park (summer 20 mph zone) and hurriedly passed at the base of the Sunset Hill grade (construction 45 mph zone).
These zones are both examples of where lives (children and workers) are in jeopardy, and potential ticket fines are sky high. Please observe posted speeds in these zones, for the sake of your pocketbook, driving record, and the safety of others.
Designated drivers
It’s legal to drink, and legal to drive, but the two don’t mix well. Again, during the summer, opportunities to enjoy libation abound. Hot weather, picnics, barbeques, weddings, graduations, and other parties all contribute to liquor sales.
All of those things should be enjoyed, but if one drinks alcohol, they should use sober designated drivers to get from place to place. I recently had some young visitors who wanted to explore some of Spokane’s newer downtown nightspots. I was gratified when they asked me to drive them downtown and then planned to take a cab for their return.
As with speed, alcohol can have a horrific effect on lives, driving records, and bank account balances. Enjoy the summer, but please employ sober drivers to cart you about.
Hot cars
In summer, at 90 to 100 degrees, interior temperatures in parked cars can easily reach 140-150 degrees. One might suppose that everyone is cognizant of this fact, but evidently not, since pets and children continue to be left in vehicles, succumbing to the extreme heat. Cracking a window isn’t enough — the answer is simple — don’t leave kids or animals in cars. If you have that plan, please alter it.
Common sense
If everyone had it, none of these messages would have to be repeated. Since problems continue in these areas, many either lack common sense, or fail to use it. That is why certain words of wisdom will always need reiteration. Send me any timeless truisms that you drive by, and I’ll repeat them here.