Rant: Please learn to drive...seriously!

By Ryan Keigher [Contributor]

I drive a lot! I drive to and from work, to and from school, when I am going to hang out with friends and so on. I drive regular city streets, highways and freeways. Let’s just say that I have grown many pet peeves from driving often. I am not a driving expert, but I know my place on the road. And unless you are being an absolute jerk to me, then I let you know your place on the road; that is typically behind me until you learn to back off.

You know that little stick thing on the left that is behind your steering wheel? It’s called a turn signal, you should use it. My ESP is not always working, so I would appreciate it if you use your turn signal so that I know you are turning or changing lanes. I forgive you though since you’re talking on your cell phone because Bluetooth headsets were sold out at your local electronics store.

You know that highway and freeway you drive often? It’s pretty convenient huh? That left lane that you are driving in is left for passing. Here’s a hint… if you’re not passing anyone and everyone on the right is passing you, then you shouldn’t be in that lane. You should move out of that lane and let the passers in, but please, use your signal when you’re moving into the lane and it might be easier when you are not holding on to your cell phone. There is probably an electronics store on the next off-ramp too.

Driving at night is nice too. There is usually less traffic and people are not in as much of a rush. I like it, but you have night lights for a reason. You really need to turn those on. Why? Because I don’t know whether or not you are tapping your break lights or are actually clueing in to them being off. Not only that, but you high beamed me for having a tail light out. Ironic, huh? Just so that you are aware, I can see your signals with your night lights off when you change lanes, but you still need to use your signals.

Finally, when you are ready to merge in…think! Do not just move in because you feel like it. You most likely waited until the last moment to move in, but figure it is still okay anyway. If am already going slow and am forced to pretty much stop just so that you can move in, that is a good indication that you waited too long. How about this…I don’t stop, you hit and then your insurance premiums begin to rise ever slightly. Merge earlier and avoid the accident.

You pay a select amount a year for insurance, and when I say select, I mean ICBC selects it for you, so wouldn’t it be nice if you didn’t pay any more than you have to? How about you consider that as part of your driving etiquette. Put down your cell phone, use your signal, drive in the left lane if you are passing and do not wait until the last moment to merge in. And please note, that you flipping me the bird does not help you to make me drive according to your standards, but only encourages me to make sure you drive properly.

Like I said, I am no driving expert but let’s all do our bit to keep our roads safer. Do not speed, drink and drive, and respect our new learning drivers.