I have been teaching defensive driving for several years now. It’s a job I really do love. I get to make people laugh, get to try out new jokes and even write a few. But, I must admit, I am not a perfect driver. In fact, I would actually consider myself a mediocre driver. Although I have kept a pretty clean driving record over the past 20+ years, you could wallpaper with my tickets when I was younger. As I tell my students, that’s not how one gets a job teaching defensive driving, by being a good driver. It’s through the work-release program from prison. Of course I’m kidding. I have compiled a list of common questions that students ask me. Here, we will be confirming traffic laws in question.
I have been asked by several students about the difference between a solid white and a double white line, and whether or not it is legal to cross over them. Drivers are discouraged, but not prohibited, from crossing the solid white line. While it is illegal to cross a double solid white line. In addition, white lines separate traffic traveling in the same direction and mark the edge of freeways and ramps. While yellow lines generally separate traffic traveling in opposite directions and they mark the left edge of divided highways and ramps. So, if you see that there is a yellow line on the right edge of the freeway, you are drunk and driving on the wrong side of the road.
There is also confusion in regards to road markings for passing zones. Double solid yellow center lines mean no passing allowed in either direction. While a single dashed yellow center line tells you that you are allowed to pass other vehicles if the road ahead is clear; but vehicles coming the opposite direction are allowed to pass too. Of course, there will also be signage indicating if it is a passing zone or not.
One other question I have been asked is about rumble strips damaging your tires. No, they will not. Rumble strips are those small indentations or narrow raised strips on the highway or shoulder, put there to vibrate the steering wheel and to make a noise to get the attention of the driver. These may have been put there for several reasons. Such as to alert you that there is going to be a stop coming up on a high speed roadway. To wake a driver that may be drifting off the road. To alert you that it is a potentially dangerous passing zone. Or, to alert you that there is an upcoming dangerous curve, a toll booth, railroad crossing or the end of a freeway.
Until next week…
Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist
Confirming Traffic Laws In Question – Comedy Defensive Driving