Slow Down, for Goodness Sakes!

Today I saw the most incredible thing. North Indian Creek is being repaved (thankfully). There are trucks and county employees everywhere in the road, and signs indicating the upcoming lane closures and repairs. This has been ongoing a for few days, so I know to go very slowly to make sure those employees aren’t more fearful of being hit by a car than they already are.

I was stopped northbound at the light at Memorial College. The left turn lane on N. Indian Creek (to go to Memorial College) was blocked by work trucks. There were employees standing in the road, and pedestrians on the sidewalks.

Unbelievably, I watched not one car, but three, come flying around that work truck to turn left onto Memorial College. The pedestrian trying to cross northbound over Memorial College stopped for the first two cars, which were gunning it to get through the intersection. (By the way, I had a green light to go forward, but because of the construction, was trying to help keep traffic moving by allowing traffic turning left in front of me an opportunity to turn.) The pedestrian started across when out of nowhere here comes an SUV, turning so fast it was practically on two wheels, barreling through the intersection. It nearly hit me and almost struck the pedestrian. I laid on my horn, and if I’d been a cop, that driver would have gone to jail. I stopped to ask the pedestrian if he was ok, and the wild look in his eyes said it all.

Why are we in such a hurry? I know Atlanta helped to make me a freak in traffic, but many years ago, when I realized that this style of driving only makes me upset, I didn’t want to be rushed and upset anymore. We must all realize that traffic in Atlanta is what it is, and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.  Getting upset results in road rage, and I’ve seen that in action when I get the finger just because I’m not driving 10 miles OVER the speed limit.

Especially now, with gas prices what they are, I usually travel UNDER the speed limit. I still get where I’m going in time. I’m offering up a few ideas to help other drivers calm down when behind the wheel: 

1. If you’re scared to be on the interstate, find an alternate route.  This is not the place for you.
2. On a four-lane interstate, the right two lanes are really for the big trucks, and the left two lanes are for cars (note the signs that say “no trucks over 6 wheels allowed in left 2 lanes”). 
3. Remember, the right lane is for slower moving traffic, and the left lane is for faster moving traffic.
4. If someone is very close behind you, do NOT press on or slam on your brakes unless you just want to cause an accident. If you’re in the far left lane, move back over to the right and allow faster moving traffic to pass you.
5. If you break down, make every effort to get over TO THE RIGHT on the emergency lane. Stopping in the median is an accident waiting to happen.  Also, once you get your car off the road, get as far away from it as possible, and DO NOT SIT IN YOUR CAR! Some of the worst and most fatal accidents occur from being close to, or in, an inoperable car.
6. When you see traffic merging from the on-ramps, make-gap-take-gap.  It’s nearly impossible to merge into 55+mph traffic from a dead stop. This is why they have “on-ramps”, to allow you to gain enough speed to properly and safely merge with other high-speed traffic.
7. When it’s raining, SLOW DOWN! Water and oil mixture is very slippery, and if you add bald tires to the equation…well.  I watched a car (going faster than me) hydroplane from the right lane all the way over to the median and crash, and I noted she had no control whatsoever. (I still don't know why there wasn't an accident.)
8. My biggest pet peeve: PLEASE OH PLEASE use your turn signals! I’m happy to let you in, if only you’ll let me know your intentions!
9. Most importantly, be happy and courteous when you drive. You’ll find the trip a lot more pleasurable. Give others the courtesy of getting in front of you when there is congested traffic, or let them out from a business in backed-up traffic. It will NOT take away from your trip, and the other driver will be thankful. When you’re caught in congestion, find a good radio station that will put a smile on your face.

In this day and age of crime, anger and rage, make your life simpler and happier.  The best place to start is behind the wheel. I only speak from experience. Enjoy your drive!