It seems like the relative stupidity level of car drivers has been rising over the last year or two. A few things I'm noticing:
1. If you're going along at a steady speed on the interstate, and a truck comes up behind you and pulls into the left lane to pass you, that is NOT the time to speed up.
2. If you're coming down an on-ramp and a truck moves into the left lane to allow you easy entry, either speed up and pass him or fall back and let him get back over. Don't punish him for his courtesy. (This one item, by the way, is the most common complaint call on those 800 numbers on the back of trucks. The conversation: "I came down the on-ramp, and your truck didn't move into the left lane to let me on the highway." The safety manager's reply: "Did you notice the triangular yellow sign on the ramp? That means YOU need to yield to the traffic on the interstate. In addition, in some states it is illegal for a truck to change lanes to facilitate your entry, and, in any case, we discourage our drivers from excessive lane changes, since that increases the chances of an accident. We encourage them to speed up or slow down to help you out, but they are not legally required to do either. Thank you for your safety concern, and have a nice day. Goodbye.")
3. Believe it or not, your bright lights DO go across the median and blind oncoming traffic. Review the law on the use of bright lights. Driving 11 hours in the dark fighting this is just exhausting. (Want to meet your local law enforcement officer? Don't dim your lights when you're meeting oncoming traffic. Officers say this one clue is their single best hint at an impaired driver, with nearly 50% of their stops for improper use of bright lights resulting in DUI charges.)
OK, rant temporarily over.
1. If you're going along at a steady speed on the interstate, and a truck comes up behind you and pulls into the left lane to pass you, that is NOT the time to speed up.
2. If you're coming down an on-ramp and a truck moves into the left lane to allow you easy entry, either speed up and pass him or fall back and let him get back over. Don't punish him for his courtesy. (This one item, by the way, is the most common complaint call on those 800 numbers on the back of trucks. The conversation: "I came down the on-ramp, and your truck didn't move into the left lane to let me on the highway." The safety manager's reply: "Did you notice the triangular yellow sign on the ramp? That means YOU need to yield to the traffic on the interstate. In addition, in some states it is illegal for a truck to change lanes to facilitate your entry, and, in any case, we discourage our drivers from excessive lane changes, since that increases the chances of an accident. We encourage them to speed up or slow down to help you out, but they are not legally required to do either. Thank you for your safety concern, and have a nice day. Goodbye.")
3. Believe it or not, your bright lights DO go across the median and blind oncoming traffic. Review the law on the use of bright lights. Driving 11 hours in the dark fighting this is just exhausting. (Want to meet your local law enforcement officer? Don't dim your lights when you're meeting oncoming traffic. Officers say this one clue is their single best hint at an impaired driver, with nearly 50% of their stops for improper use of bright lights resulting in DUI charges.)
OK, rant temporarily over.