So you are driving down the road and some idiot comes out of a side road and cuts you off. "What a jerk!" You lay on the horn and scream at him (or her). "Why that stupid person should not have a license. Blankety Blank, when I catch up with you I will give you a piece of my mind!"
Wait....do you know that person? Does that person know you? Were they sitting there waiting for you to come along just to tick you off? Of course not. The why are you taking this personally?
Whenever we are wronged, it is our human nature to take it personally. Maybe it is a defense mechanism in order to generate adrenaline to deal with a dangerous situation. I will leave that to the psychologists and the biophysicists. Right now I want to deal with modern driving.
Imagine 22 players on a football field - all doing what they want without any coordination. That is what driving today is. Now we have some rules to control this, and just by the fact you are one side of the road or another, controls some of your behavior (like being offense or defense to continue the football analogy). However; their is no coach to coordinate the drivers, no director to choreograph the play. Each driver gets to make their own decisions, again, albeit with some rules and regulations.
So if someone does something dumb, makes a mistake in judgement or skill, that only reflects on that person and has nothing to do with anyone else on the road!
The question is how do YOU react when you see or if you are affected by such an act?
First, as stupid as it may have been - it has nothing personal to do with you. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Second, we all make mistakes. If this was just a simple error in judgement, someone pulled out too soon, forgot to put their blinker on, etc., the questions is do you just say "Well, I do that sometimes, I will just ignore it." Most of the time that is the proper response.
Third - did we contribute to the problem? Are we traveling too fast for conditions or the speed limit? Are we driving in the rain without lights or maybe sitting in someone's blind spot? Are we examining our driving to help other people from making these mistakes?
Fourth - If it is really serious is the driver impaired - either by lack of sleep, drugs, alcohol or illness. Should we do something? The best thing is to get the license number and call the police. I have on occasion followed a driver, flashed lights, honked a horn, even pulled up next to someone to talk to them, trying to get their attention or wake them up. The first words out of my mouth are not "Hey stupid", but "Are you okay?" Concern keeps things from escalating and how I would want to be treated if I was suffering from one of the above issues.
So Road Rage needs to be fought, as common and normal an emotion as would be expected.
By realizing and expecting, people to make mistakes on the road, you will get to your destination faster and more relaxed.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
After you.....
Are you entitled to your space on the road? Well, yes; unless you violate the first rule of driving.
For example, you are on a two lane highway, coming up on an entrance ramp. There is no one in the left lane, but you stay in the right lane, blocking an driver looking to merge. Oops. In this case you should have moved over to the left lane and allowed the other driver to enter.
Or you see a driver trying to enter the road from a driveway. You see a line of cars behind you, but you speed up because you can't possible let someone get ahead of you. What you should have done, if there was enough space in front to you, is slow down slightly and let the person out.
When you are on the road you are sharing the space with other drivers. There is an expected level of cooperation. There is no "entitlement" only the technicalities of the law. Even here, there are limits. There is a physical law (not mentioned in the Motor Vehicle Laws) that two objects cannot occupy the same space. If you violate the Motor Vehicle Law, the least is you will get a ticket. If you violate the Law of Physics, the least you will get is a very bad accident!
You have control and responsibility where you place your car. You can place it in a dangerous situation and rely on other drivers to get you out of trouble; or you can think ahead a be a safe and courteous driver.
For example, you are on a two lane highway, coming up on an entrance ramp. There is no one in the left lane, but you stay in the right lane, blocking an driver looking to merge. Oops. In this case you should have moved over to the left lane and allowed the other driver to enter.
Or you see a driver trying to enter the road from a driveway. You see a line of cars behind you, but you speed up because you can't possible let someone get ahead of you. What you should have done, if there was enough space in front to you, is slow down slightly and let the person out.
When you are on the road you are sharing the space with other drivers. There is an expected level of cooperation. There is no "entitlement" only the technicalities of the law. Even here, there are limits. There is a physical law (not mentioned in the Motor Vehicle Laws) that two objects cannot occupy the same space. If you violate the Motor Vehicle Law, the least is you will get a ticket. If you violate the Law of Physics, the least you will get is a very bad accident!
You have control and responsibility where you place your car. You can place it in a dangerous situation and rely on other drivers to get you out of trouble; or you can think ahead a be a safe and courteous driver.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Are you a Space Cowboy?
What is your reaction to the following situation?
You are driving down a road with ample space between you and the car you are following.
A car pulls out of a side road in between the two of you, causing you to slow down slightly. Not enough to hit the brakes, but enough to make you adjust your speed.
Do you:
1. Speed right up to him, slam on the brakes while honking your horn and giving him the "Your #1" salute?
2. Keep your speed up and pass him, then slow down to show your displeasure?
3. Flash your lights and let him know he cut into your safety space?
4. Adjust your speed and reestablish a safety zone?
If you answered anything other than the last answer, you may want to rethink why you got so mad at someone you most likely have never seen before and never will again.
That person may be guilty of bad judgement, but what was your speed? I will bet you were over the posted speed limit. In most cases this limit was made so that drivers can enter and exit roads at a reasonable speed. One of the hardest things to do is to judge a car that is coming at you. So don't take it personally, the person was not trying to do anything to slow you down, just trying to merge with traffic. And don't pull the "why didn't he wait until I passed?". Do you think he is Superman with x-ray eyes?
Now there are drivers who are dangerous and the best thing to do is to get a license plate and report them to the police. Not a perfect system, but the only one we have.
The best response is to see the driver and start to think about what to do if he does pull out. In this instance you don't want to slow down and give him room (unless there is a long line of cars in back of you) as there is no rule or courtesy that says you have to let him in; however, by thinking about this you will reduce your reaction time if he does pull out.
Next time - instances when you should leave room for someone to merge.
You are driving down a road with ample space between you and the car you are following.
A car pulls out of a side road in between the two of you, causing you to slow down slightly. Not enough to hit the brakes, but enough to make you adjust your speed.
Do you:
1. Speed right up to him, slam on the brakes while honking your horn and giving him the "Your #1" salute?
2. Keep your speed up and pass him, then slow down to show your displeasure?
3. Flash your lights and let him know he cut into your safety space?
4. Adjust your speed and reestablish a safety zone?
If you answered anything other than the last answer, you may want to rethink why you got so mad at someone you most likely have never seen before and never will again.
That person may be guilty of bad judgement, but what was your speed? I will bet you were over the posted speed limit. In most cases this limit was made so that drivers can enter and exit roads at a reasonable speed. One of the hardest things to do is to judge a car that is coming at you. So don't take it personally, the person was not trying to do anything to slow you down, just trying to merge with traffic. And don't pull the "why didn't he wait until I passed?". Do you think he is Superman with x-ray eyes?
Now there are drivers who are dangerous and the best thing to do is to get a license plate and report them to the police. Not a perfect system, but the only one we have.
The best response is to see the driver and start to think about what to do if he does pull out. In this instance you don't want to slow down and give him room (unless there is a long line of cars in back of you) as there is no rule or courtesy that says you have to let him in; however, by thinking about this you will reduce your reaction time if he does pull out.
Next time - instances when you should leave room for someone to merge.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Space - I Need my Space!
Once of the exciting things about NASCAR racing is how close they run on a superspeedway. Inches apart at 200 mph, the tension builds until "the big one" comes and you have a 20 car (or more) crash. So it can't be that bad to run close to someone on the highway, right? After all we are only doing 60 mph, not 200 mph?
Let look at something:
1. These are 40 of the best drivers in the country,
2. Their cars are properly prepared for racing with all extra safety features
3. They have spotters and flaggers warning them of danger
And they still crash!
Why? Because they cannot react fast enough. Now, lets look at you:
1. All the other drivers around you are "idiots",
2. Your car is only maybe "safe" in a crash of about 25 mph - and that is if you are wearing a seat belt and using air bags.
3. No one is there to warn you of what is ahead.
The 2 second rule is still a valid one. When the car in front of you passes a mark, could be a telephone pole or a bridge, you count "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi". If you pass the mark before you are finished, then you are too close.
But what about on a multi-lane road? I will elaborate on this in another post, but here are some guidelines:
1. Never drive beside another car.
2. Never drive in their blind spot
3. Don't put yourself in a position to block another driver when they need to change their space. This is a little more tricky and again, for another post.
Oh, another difference between you and the NASCAR driver
4. He has a spare car in case he crashes, and he does not have to pay to get the car repaired.
Let look at something:
1. These are 40 of the best drivers in the country,
2. Their cars are properly prepared for racing with all extra safety features
3. They have spotters and flaggers warning them of danger
And they still crash!
Why? Because they cannot react fast enough. Now, lets look at you:
1. All the other drivers around you are "idiots",
2. Your car is only maybe "safe" in a crash of about 25 mph - and that is if you are wearing a seat belt and using air bags.
3. No one is there to warn you of what is ahead.
The 2 second rule is still a valid one. When the car in front of you passes a mark, could be a telephone pole or a bridge, you count "One Mississippi, Two Mississippi". If you pass the mark before you are finished, then you are too close.
But what about on a multi-lane road? I will elaborate on this in another post, but here are some guidelines:
1. Never drive beside another car.
2. Never drive in their blind spot
3. Don't put yourself in a position to block another driver when they need to change their space. This is a little more tricky and again, for another post.
Oh, another difference between you and the NASCAR driver
4. He has a spare car in case he crashes, and he does not have to pay to get the car repaired.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Turn Signals - The Auto Text Message
There are jokes about turn signals - how Cadillacs always work because they are never used, or how old drivers drive with them always on. The fact is that turn signals are the only device that you have to speak, car to car. It always amazes me that people don't know how to use them.
The first rule is that they send a warning. "I am about to change lanes", I am going to make a right turn". They should never be "I AM making a left turn". The concept is to tell another driver what you want to do, so they can make adjustments.
Note, I said, what you want to do, rather than what you are doing. Using your turn signals does not give you the right to do anything.
Signaling that you are turning right lets the driver in back of you give your room as you slow down. It tells him not to speed up into your space if you are planning on changing lanes.
How soon should you signal? That depends on the situation. I would rather signal early and give drivers a chance to adjust, rather that waiting for the technically correct moment and forcing them to react. An example. If I am turning right onto a street just past a driveway, I would not necessarily wait until after the driveway to signal. The other driver can figure out by your brake lights and speed, where you will be turning. Similarly, on the highway, signalling a few seconds before you change lanes, gives other drivers time to adjust their speed.
Sometimes, you signal in order for other drivers to give you room that is not already there. You may see a lane closing and want to move over. The other driver would be blocked from seeing that, however; if they see your signal, hopefully they will give your room.
There are other ways to signal, using your brake lights, flashers, and headlights. Your turn signals are the most usefull and as such you should practice using them all the time, even when you think no one is around.
The first rule is that they send a warning. "I am about to change lanes", I am going to make a right turn". They should never be "I AM making a left turn". The concept is to tell another driver what you want to do, so they can make adjustments.
Note, I said, what you want to do, rather than what you are doing. Using your turn signals does not give you the right to do anything.
Signaling that you are turning right lets the driver in back of you give your room as you slow down. It tells him not to speed up into your space if you are planning on changing lanes.
How soon should you signal? That depends on the situation. I would rather signal early and give drivers a chance to adjust, rather that waiting for the technically correct moment and forcing them to react. An example. If I am turning right onto a street just past a driveway, I would not necessarily wait until after the driveway to signal. The other driver can figure out by your brake lights and speed, where you will be turning. Similarly, on the highway, signalling a few seconds before you change lanes, gives other drivers time to adjust their speed.
Sometimes, you signal in order for other drivers to give you room that is not already there. You may see a lane closing and want to move over. The other driver would be blocked from seeing that, however; if they see your signal, hopefully they will give your room.
There are other ways to signal, using your brake lights, flashers, and headlights. Your turn signals are the most usefull and as such you should practice using them all the time, even when you think no one is around.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Driving in the snow - #1
Here in the Northeast, people do not prepare their cars for the snow.
Specifically, here is the story on tires:
1. You must use snow or all season tires
2. The tread must be at least 6/32 deep (The Lincoln penny test is only 2/32, you need 3 times this to drive in snow).
3. The tires should not be over 5 years old.
If you don't meet all 3 criteria - YOU SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD IN THE SNOW.
ChrisZ
4 minutes
Specifically, here is the story on tires:
1. You must use snow or all season tires
2. The tread must be at least 6/32 deep (The Lincoln penny test is only 2/32, you need 3 times this to drive in snow).
3. The tires should not be over 5 years old.
If you don't meet all 3 criteria - YOU SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD IN THE SNOW.
ChrisZ
4 minutes
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Your Physical Condition
Working------------------
You are excited. You just can't wait to get behind the wheel. Sure you are a little tired, but what does that matter?
Or:
What a great party. It was a great sendoff for a friend leaving for Iraq. And you did a great job of only having two beers (assuming you are old enough). You are are so calm and relaxed.
Now, in either case, should you be driving? Well, it depends. In either case your driving skills are impaired. The amount of impairment will vary from person to person.
If you are going to drive your best, and protect your passengers here are some things to think about:
1. Drugs, legal or illegal can affect your reaction time. At 60 miles per hour you will be traveling at 88 feet per SECOND. Even at 30 miles per hour you travel 44 feet in the time you can say "One, One Thousand". This is why you should stay 2 seconds behind the car in front. (But that will be explained later.)
2. Sleep - you need a good night's sleep in order to drive your best. A lack of sleep can be just as damaging as taking drugs.
3. Physical injuries. - got a sprained ankle or wrist - maybe you should think twice about driving - especially if it means you cannot press on the brake or turn the steering wheel fast enough to avoid an accident.
Now a hangnail should not keep you from driving, nor should taking cold medicine keep you from going to the doctor. However, you have to think every time you get in a car, am I 100% or do I need to pay extra special attention to my driving today?
You are excited. You just can't wait to get behind the wheel. Sure you are a little tired, but what does that matter?
Or:
What a great party. It was a great sendoff for a friend leaving for Iraq. And you did a great job of only having two beers (assuming you are old enough). You are are so calm and relaxed.
Now, in either case, should you be driving? Well, it depends. In either case your driving skills are impaired. The amount of impairment will vary from person to person.
If you are going to drive your best, and protect your passengers here are some things to think about:
1. Drugs, legal or illegal can affect your reaction time. At 60 miles per hour you will be traveling at 88 feet per SECOND. Even at 30 miles per hour you travel 44 feet in the time you can say "One, One Thousand". This is why you should stay 2 seconds behind the car in front. (But that will be explained later.)
2. Sleep - you need a good night's sleep in order to drive your best. A lack of sleep can be just as damaging as taking drugs.
3. Physical injuries. - got a sprained ankle or wrist - maybe you should think twice about driving - especially if it means you cannot press on the brake or turn the steering wheel fast enough to avoid an accident.
Now a hangnail should not keep you from driving, nor should taking cold medicine keep you from going to the doctor. However, you have to think every time you get in a car, am I 100% or do I need to pay extra special attention to my driving today?
Monday, July 02, 2007
Safe Driving
"The purpose of driving is to get you and your passengers to your destination safely"
Lets look at this part of the rule first.
Cars are much safer than they used to be. This gives drivers a false sense of security. You have to remember - it is not going fast that hurts, but stopping fast. In this your job is not to hit anything. This almost sounds laughable - of course you don't plan on hitting anything. However, what are you doing to actively prevent this?
Let's Break this down to 4 categories:
1. Your Physical and Mental Condition
2. The Condition of your car
3. Your driving style
4. The other driver
We will examine these in the next entries.
Lets look at this part of the rule first.
Cars are much safer than they used to be. This gives drivers a false sense of security. You have to remember - it is not going fast that hurts, but stopping fast. In this your job is not to hit anything. This almost sounds laughable - of course you don't plan on hitting anything. However, what are you doing to actively prevent this?
Let's Break this down to 4 categories:
1. Your Physical and Mental Condition
2. The Condition of your car
3. Your driving style
4. The other driver
We will examine these in the next entries.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
1. Golden Rule of Driving
Here is the golden rule of driving:
The purpose of driving is to transport you and your passengers to your destination safely and efficiently, and to help other drivers do the same.
Every decision you make on the road can trace itself back to that sentence.
Commit this to memory!
Borrowing from Star Trek, I will now call this the Prime Directive!
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Welcome to the Driving Professor
For many years I have been studying driving. I have had the opportunity to work with instructors at the Skip Barber Driving School and also as an instructor myself with the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America). I have been the head of a car club and written many articles on driving. Now that I have seen both my sons get their licenses, I want to formalize all the things that I have learned.
This information is copywrited but free for publication as long as credit is given. All I ask at this point is that if you use my work that you copy it accurately and send me a copy of the finished product, either in printed or electronic form.
Please send to:
Chris Zarzycki
159 Garden Street
Torrington CT 06790
e-mail cmz55-chrisz@yahoo.com
This information is copywrited but free for publication as long as credit is given. All I ask at this point is that if you use my work that you copy it accurately and send me a copy of the finished product, either in printed or electronic form.
Please send to:
Chris Zarzycki
159 Garden Street
Torrington CT 06790
e-mail cmz55-chrisz@yahoo.com
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