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Notes -
I now interrupt your regularly scheduled WWIII/Nothing Ever Happens to ask a question:
So, the Bike discussion down below generated a lot of angst and heat, so I'd like to poll The Motte on our driving habits a bit (in the CW thread because I do fear we are going to get some strong feelings).
How do we feel about the following:
You should turn on your turn signal every time you switch lanes or otherwise would be expected to use it, even if nobody is around.
Stop signs and red lights need to be fully stopped at, even if nobody is around and you know there isn't a red light camera.
Speed limits should be followed to the letter when possible.
The left lane is for passing only, and also, if you are in that lane and not passing and someone cuts you off or rides your bumper, that is fine.
If someone does not make room for you and you need to come over (and properly signaled) you can cut them off guilt free.
I can break some of these rules (or others) but other drivers should not.
Any other possible driving scissor statements?
If you'd like to be mad at me: Yes, Yes, No, Yes with qualification, Yes, No.
1 and 2 are generally good to do just for keeping as a habit and muscle memory.
3 depends on context, generally you should go for the speed of traffic but I can't blame anyone staying at speed limit given the cost of a ticket.
4 The left lane should be for passing but with some caveats. If I'm passing a crowded right lane going 10 over and you're wanting to go 20, then you can just wait. Also no excuse for riding someone's ass ever, it is simply endangering them, yourself, and everyone around you for no actual gain. Not to mention all the people who get delayed for hours if you do crash, therefore making you way worse of a road menance.
5 Don't cut off, again it's dangerous to everyone around and causes delays if a crash occurs. Risky angry behavior like this is what makes me have to plan a few extra hours into every road trip just in case some inattentive or aggressive driving asshole can't control themselves enough to drive properly.
6 Probably not, good driving rules should be pretty universal and allowing exceptions to people who think they deserve one inevitably means egotistical people who can't handle it grant themselves a pass too.
Overall safe driving is good driving. If you want to give up your life on risky behavior go jump over the Grand canyon or something, don't make everyone else on the road sit in traffic waiting for a crash to be cleared.
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