Drivers Driving Drivers

So the BIG NEWS... UBER and LYFT has finally made it's way into WNY and so far so good- Great concept for everyone but this isn't about either one of those services. This is about EVERYONE who drives.

This is PART 1 of a 2 PART series and I hope it will act as Public Service Message to anyone who operates a motor vehicle.

If you do any of the things below, consider the following advice, tips, whatever. It is my gift to you. Changing, any or all of these habits will not only make you a better driver; it will make you a better human being.  After all, we all share the same roadways and we all do live in a society.

USE YOUR TURN SIGNAL!

You know the “blinky” colored lights that make a “clicking” noise when pushed either up or down.  They indicate what direction you are going in. People behind you are not Vulcans.  They cannot mind meld with you, which means, they have NO IDEA where you are going.

The lever is one inch from your finger! HOW MUCH OF AN EFFORT DOES IT TAKE TO CLICK IT UP OR DOWN!?!

This is also a useful tool when you want to move in front of another motorist.

Perception is reality to the driver behind you.

USING YOUR TURN SIGNAL: The driver thinks: “That car just wants to get ahead of me.”

NOT USING YOUR TURN SIGNAL: The driver will think “THAT A**HOLE JUST CUT ME OFF!”

USE YOUR HAZARDS:

That big red button with the triangle on it, it makes all the “blinky” lights go on and off at once.  If you are in an area where you need to stop resulting in the obstruction of traffic flow, do yourself and everyone coming up the rear a favor… PUT ON YOUR HAZARDS.  It may be the difference between staying safe or becoming someone’s new hood ornament.

MERGE:

The reason we have traffic congestion in the morning and afternoon is that there is lack consistent courtesy in letting fellow motorists MERGE.  If everyone would keep a car length or two between them, cars can flow in and out of traffic easily resulting in constant flow of traffic and fewer accidents.  If you think letting another car in front of you will delay your travels, what will a fender bender do for your ETA?

The concept of courtesy and consideration while driving is not rocket science.  It is COMMON SENSE!   http://youtu.be/iAgX6qlJEMc

LANES:

The left lane is used for PASSING a car in the right lane, NOT for driving just as fast as that car so no one else can pass- Unless you are racing for a NASCAR team there is no need to block out other drivers.  Lead, follow or get out of the way. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9qEwBi1NyBI&feature=related

 LAP DOGS:

If you own a dog, do you really need it to sit on your lap while you are doing 65 mph?  Would you put a baby on your lap while driving?  Secure the pooch and concentrate on the road.  I am sure neither party, other than you, will suffer from “separation anxiety”.  The dog will not be “put off” if they ride in the back seat or a secured travel container-

Also, have you ever seen what a small rock, or any debris, can do to a windshield when it is “kicked up” from the road? Remember that the next time you allow your dog to hang its head out of a moving vehicle’s window-

Now go out their and be safe- PART 2 tomorrow just in time for the holiday weekend-

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