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PaperclipPerfector  7mo ago (text post)   36047 thread views

Culture War Roundup for the week of June 9, 2025

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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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Speed limits should be followed to the letter when possible.

  4. 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.

  5. If someone does not make room for you and you need to come over (and properly signaled) you can cut them off guilt free.

  6. I can break some of these rules (or others) but other drivers should not.

  7. Any other possible driving scissor statements?

If you'd like to be mad at me: Yes, Yes, No, Yes with qualification, Yes, No.

  1. Indicators? Absolutely, because if you get into the habit of not turning them on, then you won't do it when other vehicles are around. I already see too many drivers not bothering to indicate when they're going to turn, and one day someone will smash into them because the other driver is not a mind reader and had no idea you were going to suddenly turn there.

  2. Stop signs and red lights? Probably, for the same reason - develop good habits. Also, there will come a time when you think 'nobody's around' and run a red light, and the guy coming from the other direction will think the same thing, and bang! smash!

  3. I'm pro-speed limit, because again I've seen too many examples of someone speeding along then suddenly having to slam on the brakes (there's a street just outside where my house is where this is a regular occurrence) and again, the guy behind you or the guy behind him won't be able to stop in time and again bang! smash!

  4. No opinion

  5. People should make room for others to cut in, the ten seconds you save by not doing this will not make a difference over your journey and you'll just end up stuck in a queue or a traffic jam further along. Small courtesies on the road when driving make it a smoother experience for everyone.

  6. Nobody, not even Max Verstappen, is that good a driver on ordinary roads to get away with "I can break the rules safely".

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