Rules of the Road

Transportation and mobility are the key to our modern global economy.  We drive cars and trucks every day to get to work, they are used to deliver products, and they are the bond that allows us to see our family and friends on a regular basis.  We often take the miracle of having convenient transportation for granted and we also sometimes forget that this wonder comes with responsibility.  Automobiles are complex machines and can be very dangerous if we are not respectful of the rules of the road. We must remember that rules exist to keep everyone safe and to ensure the roads and highways function at peak efficiency.

Speed Limits

Every roadway in the country has a posted speed limit and these max speeds exist for a reason, safety.  Speed limits are determined by several factors: how busy a road is, how many turns there are, how many intersections exist, and many other considerations.  When we ignore these posted speed regulations, we not only put ourselves and our passengers in danger, but we also risk the lives of everyone around us.  Drivers expect traffic and a certain pace to be followed daily.  When someone moves faster then expect people have less time to react and accidents become much more likely.  In contrast, it is also dangerous to go too slow.  If someone is driving well below the speed limit, they will cause a bigger delay then they realize.  Cars will want to pass them, and drivers will get frustrated and aggressive.  This also leads to an increase in risk.  The best practice when driving is to stay around the posted speed limit and to ensure you leave early enough that you will not feel pressured to rush.  Rushing will only lead to higher risk.

Parking

We all know the frustration of circling a blook or neighborhood in search of a parking spot.  We get annoyed, frustrated, and impatient.  Especially if we only need to run inside for a quick chore.  This can lead to us making poor choices and parking illegally.   Like speed limits parking laws exist for the safety of us, of others, and the efficient flow of traffic.  Parking illegally or double parking can block roadways and cause significant delays even if you are only there for a few minutes.  Additionally, certain areas are designated no parking zones to ensure a lane for emergency vehicles.  If you park in front of a fire hydrant and there is a nearby fire, you are risking lives by delaying the flow of water to the fire fighters.  Furthermore, if you search the internet, you will certainly find a photo of what the fire department will do. They will smash your car windows and run a house through your vehicle ruining it and they will not think twice or feel bad for doing so.  So next time you are struggling to find parking just accept the frustration and look a bit further away, a few extra steps might be good for you.

When to Yield

We are taught in traffic school the importance of knowing when to yield to other vehicles; however, people ignore these rules daily.   We have all seen someone cut another driver off in a rude and dangerous manner.  We must ask ourselves is the few seconds we save by being risky worth it.  The answer is always no.  Being late or being delayed is never worth risking your life or the lives of others.  However, we still read stories about cars who ignore railroad crossings and cause major accidents, we see delays due to roadside accidents that could have been avoided, and we see people ignore emergency vehicles.  Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars have sirens for a reason.  Sirens mean there is an emergency and any delay may risk someone’s life.  When we see an emergency vehicle it is important to slow down and pull to the side of the road to allow the vehicle to pass efficiently and quickly.  We all see people try to turn right before an ambulance gets to an intersection or try to follow to close to a fire truck.  These decisions are dangerous, stupid, and illegal.  We must respect emergency vehicles and give them the right of way they deserve.  We should never be in such a hurry that we think ignoring their importance is acceptable. 

Being a license driver in this country is part of our traditional and heritage.  Our children get excited when they become of age and many people take great joy in driving.  It is okay to want to drive fast and take risks, but this should be done in the right setting.  If you want to test the limits of your car, make an appointment and go to the local racetrack.  There are plenty around.  When it comes to everyday driving respect the rules of the road. It is up to everyone to do their part to keep the roads and highways safe and functional.  Finally, remember that being late is better then risking harm to yourself or anyone else.  Wear your seat belt and drive safely.