3 simple things everyone could do to make life safer
We hear a lot about how unsafe the world is – global warming, earthquakes, drug wars in Mexico, unsafe drinking water, ecoli, bird flu just to name a few. It’s hard sometimes to figure out what if anything we can do on a local level to actually make a difference – to make life a little safer.
Well, I’ve got a short list of very simple, easy things each of us can do that will actually result in a safer environment for us and everyone around us.
1) Use your turn signal. Ever wonder why turn signals aren’t optional equipment on cars? It’s because the law requires their use. Why? So that the people around you know what you’re going to do so they can be prepared. I made this argument to someone who told me that he refuses to use his turn signal because it does no good. In his experience, whenever he puts on his turn signal the people around him speed up and don’t let him in so he has decided not to use it all. So, the problem with this logic – I use that term very loosely here – is that it presupposes that engaging one’s turn signal suddenly gives one the right to occupy another lane. However, that isn’t the case. Engaging one’s turn signal – at least when using it to attempt a lane change – is a request. No where in the Colorado driving laws does it say that one driver MUST yield to another whose turn signal is engaged. But even if that were so, my friend’s argument actually uncovers a deeper issue – a general lack of consideration for those around us. He believes he doesn’t have to tell the people around him what he is going to do – he doesn’t owe it to them. While I agree we don’t owe anybody anything, when we live among this many people all driving large vehicles – usually too fast – it’s in everyone’s best interest to be considerate and telegraph what we intend to do. And on the other side of this, if someone signals let them in if you can. This might actually create an environment where more folks used their signals – and it makes you feel good that you’ve done something to help your fellow road warrior.
2) Turn into the correct lane – the one nearest you. I can’t tell you the number of accidents and near accidents I’ve witnessed caused by someone turning into the far lane rather than the nearest. I’m not sure what goes through people’s minds when they do this. I can only imaging that they care only about their own situation and getting where they’re going as quickly as possible. That’s understandable, we all want to get where we’re going but I think we’d all agree it would be better to get there unscathed though. I know it’s hard to think about others when you’re driving down the road behind the wheel of a powerful machine – one that makes you feel invincible and powerful – but come on folks. Have a heart. We’ll all get where we’re going faster if there are no accidents.
3) Move out of the left lane. Colorado law states that slower vehicles MUST move to the right on ALL multi-lane state highways. Here again, not only is this the law but it’s the considerate thing to do. If I had a nickle for every time I saw some chuckle head doing 50 in the fast lane I’d be a lot wealthier. I don’t get this one at all – what goes through someone’s head that allows them to justify parking in the fast lane? It can only be lack of consciousness or lack of knowledge – which is why I think this should be a question on ever driver test in states where this is the law.
The basic theme here is – Think about others not just yourself. If all of us could think just a little bit more about the world around us and the people in it we could make dramatic changes in quality of life. We would reduce stress, reduce road rage, reduce tension, smile more and just generally be happier. Who doesn’t want that?
