Traffic laws do not apply
October 29, 2008 9:19 am Culture, Personal
What the fuck is wrong with people on the roads these days? It’s like traffic laws have become a thing of the past.
On a routine basis, people ride my ass. Now, I’m not a senior citizen-style driver who goes five miles below the speed limit; I do, however, obey speed limit signs around schools and such. Plus, I drive a midsize sedan, which doesn’t exactly have the world’s fastest acceleration. But even when I’m on the highway doing 70mph, I’ve got assholes on my bumper, who burn around me at the first opportunity, with no care for other drivers around them. And this is in the “slow” lane! What’s the fucking rush?
Highways are one thing, but worse yet is the behavior I’ve seen on local roads. For example, the exit off the highway I take to get home splits in two; the left side to turn left, and the right side to turn right. Seems simple enough, doesn’t it? However, on more than one occasion, I’ve had assholes come up on my right…on the left-turn side. When I make my left turn, then speed around me and cut me off! These are single-lane roads, people; the first time this happened, I was nearly pushed into oncoming traffic. Of course, from there on in, I could easily recognize when some prick was going to pull that kind of stunt, and made sure to position my car slightly to the left during the turn. Since I’ve used that technique, the offender is practically forced off the road, and it’s their own fault, as I’m completely within the boundaries of the law. The most ridiculous part of this whole thing is that about five hundred feet after that left turn…there’s a four-way stop! So again, I ask you: what’s the fucking rush?
The usual maxim applies to these incidences: “Where’s a cop when you need one?” Ironically, the last story I have to tell relates to just that. Down the road from my apartment, there’s a large four-way intersection, and one of the roads in question has a sign that clearly reads “No Turn on Red.” Well, we all know people love to ignore that particular traffic law, but it’s absolutely hilarious when people break it at this stop. Why? Because right as you turn the corner, the local police station comes into view. I’ve seen many people turn on red there, and every single time, they get busted. It’s comedy at its finest.
October 29th, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Tell me about it… the ratio of idiot drivers to law-abiding ones is apalling.
I’ve seen the stop sign “sneakers”, who stop with the car ahead of them (the one actually at the stop sign), and then go through the intersection with that car without stopping themselves.
Then there’s the times when I’m stopped at a red light and am going to make a right turn (at an intersection where this is permitted, of course), and am waiting for oncoming traffic (who has green) to pass so I can safely make the turn. Naturally the car behind me thinks that I am “holding them up” by stopping on a red light. Two things with this: 1) Turning right on red is an option where it is permitted. I am not obligated to turn right during the red if traffic conditions don’t allow for it. 2) You’re supposed to stop at red lights. This is not an option! I’ve seen countless people make a right turn at an intersection when they have a red light who don’t even slow down – let alone stop – before making the turn.
And one warning to the idiot drivers out there… ride my tail, and I’ll make absolutely sure that I am driving the speed limit and no faster. Speed limits are supposed to be the maximum permitted, not the minimum.
As a side note, I’ve often noticed that the more expensive someone’s vehicle is, the more inclined they are to drive as if traffic laws are optional. It’s not true in every case, of course, but plenty of people in those “status symbol” vehicles (For one: Lexus, I’m talking to you. Your TV commercials make me want to punch the screen, with Mr. “I’m better than you” narrating so smugly) drive like they think that they’re some kind of big shot, and all others on the road must bow before them.
October 29th, 2008 at 12:59 PM
Two things:
1. That is justice… seeing those morons get pulled over IN FRONT OF A POLICE STATION for turning right on red.
2. >>You’re supposed to stop at red lights.
- Yup. Wouldn’t realize it though. Last weekend, I was with my parents, and not once, not twice, but three times in less than 1/4 mile cars came screaming onto the main drag (from their respective side streets) WITHOUT STOPPING or even LOOKING both ways.
October 29th, 2008 at 3:57 PM
I can only imagine the damage I’d do if my car was outfitted like one in Twisted Metal. Wouldn’t it be great though?
October 29th, 2008 at 7:52 PM
Hee… exactly. When I want to drive like a maniac I just fire up Burnout Paradise!