Clawblog

Yesterday was “family lunch day”.  A time reserved for my wife and baby to get out for a “treat”.  We loaded up the vehicle (quite the chore with a 14 month old ) and headed off to our chosen lunch spot.  This week took us on the freeway for a short stint.

I consider myself to be a good driver, not perfect.  I’m the type that gets too easily agitated by the less competent driver on the road (something I’m perpetually working to improve).  Driving is a privilege, not a right, and too many drivers don’t recognize the fact that our cars can be, and often are, weapons.  The short time on the freeway reminded me of the simple things of which all drivers should be cognizant.

Photography by: Chris Kisela

Proper driving, or driving etiquette, is something we all owe to each other on the road.  After all, it’s the safety of our occupants that is potentially at stake.  Driving etiquette point number 1 - Blinker.

The Test

I recall taking my driving test very seriously.  I was always disappointed to score anything less than 100% on a test of any kind (though it happened more than I would have liked), and my driving exam was no different.  I aced both the written piece and the driving part of the test.  That was nearly 20 years ago, but the specifics of what I learned through the course of preparing for the test have remained with me to this day.  This, I believe, is why I get so annoyed by drivers who, seemingly, put no effort into obtaining their license whatsoever.

Blinker

If I were a betting man, I’d safely wager a months salary that more than 50% of drivers do not use their blinker, or turn signal, properly, if at all.  I believe the number of offenders has increased dramatically over the last 10 years with the infusion of cellular phones into our lives.  After all, how can one use their signal when they’re holding the wheel with one hand and the phone with the other?  That’s a topic all in itself.

It’s quite simple, really.  Prior to changing lanes: signal.  Ahead of an upcoming turn: signal. Entering or exiting the freeway: signal. 

Over the years I’ve held a regular debate with a good friend on this subject.  He contends that if he’s in a dedicated turn lane, or, there’s otherwise no one else around, there’s no need to signal.  While these may be valid arguments, it still doesn’t address the fact that properly signaling is the law.  In addition, this practice invariably leads to regular neglect of this important responsibility, which I’ve witnessed.

My position is clear: please do not avoid one of the fundamental responsibilities of good driving.  Signal.

chris@clawblog.com

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