SAFE DRIVING AND SHARING THE ROADWAYS I just read a post on another page where a driver felt he had to go into a rant about how he will drive and how others Should drive. I know, from experience, that being behind the wheel of a big rig can be, and IS, at times very difficult, due to the actions of others. But maintaining a degree of composure is critical to your safely, and the safety of others around you. ALL drivers are responsible for their actions, and showing a degree of courtesy, when possible, shows that responsibility. So this was my response to the post, and those that drive and share the same roadways. Im sure youll get the idea of what the comment was about. In any court in the country, when you are entering ANY highway, you are responsible to Yield to the right of way, which is the main highway you are entering. Looking over your shoulder to see what is there, checking your mirrors, and doing all this in advance, is a responsibility of the driver intending to enter the roadway. Also, making your way up to highway speed along the way when you know you have the room to enter is primary as well. As for the driver that is on the highway, he or she is responsible for staying vigilant as to what is going on around them as well. And there is NO law in this country, stating that drivers on the right of way MUST move over,... OR slow down, to allow merging traffic to enter. (THIS LONE HAS CAUSED A HUGE NUMBER OF UNNECESSARY ACCIDENTS) BUT,.... if you have room to your left to move over and allow merging traffic to enter, then it is a Courtesy action Only, not a requirement, and is also an attempt at allowing others to enter the roadway safely. I have 20+ years of experience on the road, and 12 years of police experience also. As for a recommendation to all drivers. (1) If you are entering ANY highway, LOOK and make sure that you have enough room to safely enter the highway. If you see a reasonably open and safe gap, then accelerate to highway speed and enter,.. SAFELY. Dont just jump in and force highway traffic to have to jam on the brakes, because you Can be held responsible for causing any accident that results. (2) For the driver on the highway. If you see traffic on the on-ramp, and they are not looking to see what they are entering into, give a couple RESPECTFUL hits on the horn to get their attention. From there, it is up to them to act accordingly and either speed up and enter the highway, or.... to get on the brakes and yield to the traffic that is already there, then enter when it is safe. (3) If a driver is already in the highway, IF you have room to move over and allow someone the chance to enter the highway, and it can be done safely, then as a Courtesy, move left and allow the merge. It puts YOU in the position of representing the rest of the driving community, whether you drive a truck, car or any other vehicle as someone who can be courteous and responsible. Having an attitude of being anything other than responsible brings the disrespect of the rest of the driving community and shows a level of hostility and aggressiveness that is not needed, or allowed, on the highway. Last piece of advice,.... if you are feeling That angry over the acts of other drivers, then its time to find a place to get parked, get out of your vehicle, and take a break for a bit, because your thoughts and feelings could make you a danger to yourself, and others. Settle down, breath and do something to relax, then when you have your wits about you and you feel calmed down, then get back to the task of driving, and thinking.
Posted on: Sun, 12 Oct 2014 15:31:12 +0000