Rules of Engagement

It was an interesting 7,300 mile cross-country trip two months ago in that I got to observe how people drive in different areas of the country. Some areas were especially nice to drive in while other, and I’m not going to call anyone out by name, were especially bad. Each area has their own rules of engagement, from subdued, to no holds barred every man for himself mayhem.

I’d like to share a few tips to help keep the road a safer and saner place for everyone:

Stay Right, Pass Left

Not just a good idea, it’s the law in most areas of the US. I’m not sure why, but some drivers really love to ride the left lane. Apart from this now being illegal, it is incredibly discourteous to drivers who want to go faster.

Move Over or Slow Down for Emergency Vehicles

This is now law in most parts of the country. If there is a stopped emergency vehicle on the side of the road you are required to move over a lane if possible. If not, at least slow down. Emergency workers die every year after being struck by drivers. It is good practice to move over for any person on the side of the road.

Pay Attention

Becoming distracted for even a couple seconds can cause serious accidents. You never know when there is going to be a stopped vehicle, an animal, or a child on the road. Even on highways.

Simply watch this short video:

Speed Limits

Posted speed limits are just that, the upper limit. Unless a minimum is posted, drivers are not required to drive that fast. If you find yourself frustrated with a slower driver, you’re the one with the problem. If you are driving significantly under the speed limit however, make it a point to check for drivers behind you and pull over to let them pass as necessary.

Maintain Speed

One of the more annoying things I had to deal with was passing a driver going up a hill, to have them pass me going down a hill, only to have to pass them again going up a hill. Keeping the pedal in the same spot doesn’t keep you at the same speed. You have to push a little harder going up a hill, and a little less going down. Learn to maintain your speed.

Merging

A big cause of traffic backups and accidents is variations in driving speeds. You notice this a lot with highway on-ramps as traffic tries to merge at a lower speed than the flow of traffic. It is important to get up to the speed of traffic quickly to merge at the same speed that traffic is flowing. If you cannot do this, stay off the highways.

It is also important to be an active merger. Do not simply ride the right-hand line to the end and force your way in. Look for an opening, adjust your speed to get to it, and merge.

Mirrors

If you have blind spots in your mirrors, you have them set up wrong. On countless occasions I have given merging drivers plenty of space to merge from an on-ramp, but the view from improper mirror set up told them that they couldn’t merge. They then slow down and it turns into a nightmare.

If you have blind spots, watch this quick video to learn how to adjust your mirrors correctly:

Turn Signals

Use your turn signals, even when you are clearly in a turning lane. And use them before you turn, not as an indication of what you just did. There are lots of things to manage while on the road, having to ascertain what you are going to do shouldn’t have to be one of them.

Vehicle Safety

At least once a week, walk around your vehicle and make sure that all of your lights work: headlights (low and high), parking lights, turn signals, etc. This applies to both older and newer vehicles. Also make sure no parts of your car are falling off.

High Beams

Driving with your high beams on into oncoming traffic is both dangerous and rude, even at 1/2 mile away. If you cannot see well enough to drive, you should not be driving.