Utah Drivers

While the title is "Utah Drivers", I'm confident that as you start reading, I could very easily said Ohio, New Jersey, Texas... But since Utah is where I experience my daily frustrations with all manner of suspect driving, those are the drivers who are receiving the wrath of my poison pen today.

Most of the infractions I see and curse under my breath about, could be considered reckless or unsafe driving habits. At least from my vantage point, it seems that if people would just use even a few of the safety devices at their disposal, there would be fewer accidents, fewer traffic tickets, and my blood pressure would be lower.

What are these devices for driving safely? I'm glad you asked, because you may just need a refresher course yourself. 

The first set are, believe it or not, standard equipment on cars, vans, trucks, and even SUVs. They are:

    1:Brakes

    2: Mirrors

    3: Turn Signals

    4: Seat Belts

    5. Air Bags

The first 3 I consider as a group, being they are interconnected when it comes to safe driving. Why do I mention brakes first? Here is a scenario I see every day. Car driving in the center lane on the interstate is moving too slow in the opinion of the driver behind him. Does he slow down, look in the mirror and see if it is safe to pass, and then signal his intention to change lanes? Of course not, he does none of the above. He can't be bothered to use that pedal positioned under his left foot, which would cause his vehicle to slow down, even slightly. Mirrors? Why, if he used them he might see that there is not enough room for him to change lanes. Turn signals? I believe there must be a shortage of blinker fluid in Utah, as that flashing orange light is seldom seen. 

The subject of air bags is controversial, but studies probably do show that many more lives are saved by air bags than deaths caused by them.  The moving violation of not using a seat belt I will leave up to those issuing tickets, but obviously it can be a costly fine to not follow "Click It or Ticket".

    6. Yellow Traffic Light

    7. Red Traffic Light

    8. Stop Sign

    9. Speed Limit

Who in the room remembers Jim Ignatowski? If you do, congratulations on being a fan of classic TV! If not, and you are unsure of what to do when confronted with a yellow traffic light signal, please watch "Reverend Jim Driving Test" on YouTube. You will laugh, and might even learn something! 

The red traffic light and the stop sign both function in similar ways, and in the case of the red turn light, are frequently ignored. Do you know how many cars are legally allowed to turn once that red light comes on? Zero. What??? You mean it isn't 2 or 3, possibly 4? And how far are you allowed to drive past a stop sign before coming to a complete stop? Complete stop??? Are you kidding me???

Last, but not least, the traffic safety device with the lowest self esteem, the speed limit sign. This poor guy has been ignored for so long and by so many! You know the drivers I'm talking about, in a hurry to get to their own funeral. They will zoom past you all if an effort to be 1 car length ahead of you at the next traffic light. The ones moving in and out of traffic ignoring all of the safety devices listed above.  The ones who you never seem to see sitting on the side of the road with pretty red and blue lights flashing behind them.  Seriously, people. Slow down. Leave a few minutes early. Your loved ones will understand if you are a few minutes late. Don't be the reckless fool whose spouse has to answer the door and be informed of yet another senseless traffic fatality.