On a multi-lane road, you may be forced to pass on the right because someone is driving too slowly in the passing lane. And disorganization and confusion can definitely lead to traffic accidents. Or, if the slow driver is ahead of you, over a hill or around a curve and you are approaching from behind at a higher speed, you may have to hit your brakes which could lead to a chain reaction of braking. Or, likely a chain of rear-end collisions and, if you are lucky enough to avoid it, at the very least it will certainly lead to road rage.

Of course we all assume that the driver is either a new driver or an elderly driver. But, oftentimes, it is simply a distracted driver. According to Carnegie Mellon research cited by distraction.gov, driving while using a cell phone can reduce driving focus by 37 percent. Anyone can drive too slowly at any given time, but keeping up with the flow of traffic and following the rules of the road will undoubtedly get you to your destination safely.

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Slow Drivers – Comedy Defensive Driving School

The post Slow Drivers and Accidents appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Since driving “not with the flow of traffic” or under the flow of traffic has been proven to not only impede traffic which often times cause crashes, one should always keep to the right, unless you are passing. The left lane is not a “fast” lane, it is a passing lane, and should only be used for passing other cars. Impeding the flow of traffic by continuing to drive in the left lane is punishable by a fine up to $200 (not to mention the angry snarls you will get from other drivers).

In 1997 the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring that all “Slower Traffic Keep Right” signs be phased out in favor of wording that states, “Left Lane for Passing Only.” I believe all interstates display these signs. But, even if not posted on any high speed roadway, the left lane should always be left open for passing cars to maintain a smooth flow of traffic. When slow drivers linger in the left lane of a multiple lane road, you may be forced to pass on the right, causing confusion and disorganization that can lead to accidents. Cars on entrance ramps will then have to get up to speed with someone doing a higher speed in the slow lane. And we all are aware that some ramps are ridiculously short (I like to call those natural selection ramps). You may also be forced to stop suddenly, which can start a chain reaction of braking that could lead to accidents or road rage. Your trip to work may become a scene straight out of Final Destination.

So, I am curious, do some people just not know this? Or do they just not care? And who, pray tell are these naive, uncaring people? Well, apparently they’re sometimes just overly cautious drivers, such as visitors, drivers who have recently relocated to the area, new drivers and senior drivers (which is what I am about to become, so I no longer make fun of senior drivers). But, we all know that a majority of these left lane lovers are simply distracted drivers. You know, because when you pass them on the right, after riding behind them for 10 minutes, just hoping they will get over, you can clearly see that they are talking on the phone. They’d better be calling for an ambulance, eh?

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Slow Drivers – Comedy Defensive Driving School

The post Slow Drivers appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

I taught my daughter how to drive. And, I must tell you, my daughter is a slow driver. At least she is when I am in the car with her. And, because she drives the speed limit, people pass her on the right. And they honk at her and flip her off (with me in the car!). Hey! That’s my kid you’re flipping off! I learned that’s what the sun roof is for … flipping people off. And, if you can drive with your knees, you can apparently flip people off with both hands. People are talented, aren’t they? They should put Prozac in the water system. So, my daughter would fit in well here. Or, in Colorado, for that matter. Since they’ve legalized marijuana, I bet there are a lot less speeders now. And more job openings in the snack industry.

But here are the hard, sad facts. Slow drivers cause more accidents than speeders. Not keeping up with the flow of traffic (just like not keeping up with the Kardashians) is actually more dangerous than speeding. But, the impact from those high speed crashes actually cause more fatalities than low-impact crashes. Have you ever heard the term “Speed Kills?” I wish I’d made up that phrase. I’d totally put it on a bumper sticker and collect royalties. And I would put one on my own bumper. Right alongside my other bumper sticker that says “Tailgating Kills.”

Until next week…

Daun Thompson
Writer / Comedienne / Artist

Slow Drivers – Comedy Defensive Driving School

The post Slow Drivers of Illinois appeared first on Comedy Defensive Driving®.

Roundabouts (also called Traffic Circles) were developed by the UK in the mid twentieth century.“Foreign” to some here in the U.S., I have people ask me what’s the point and how do they work.The “point” is, a normal intersection has a total of 32 conflict points.A roundabout reduces those conflict points by 75%!!As a roundabout only has 8 possible conflict points. Absolutely brilliant, those Brits!

A typical roundabout is an intersection without signals, with a circular central island (generally very pretty and all dolled-up with a fountain or statue right in the center to totally distract you) and a circular road around the island.The way it works, vehicles entering the roundabout yield to vehicles already on the roundabout.It works just ducky…as they say in the UK.

Crashes at roundabouts are less severe than crashes at normal intersections.This is because they not only eliminate the need for someone to turn in front of a possible oncoming car who has misjudged their right of way (or their turn), but they also eliminate altogether the possibility of a crash caused by someone who has run a red light or stop sign.  Thus also reducing stress, road rage, increase in insurance rates…oh, and Valium intake.

Another good use of roundabouts is to cut down on the cut-through traffic in residential neighborhoods.Also, an Arizona study shows that, in a modern roundabout, there would be a 90% reduction in fatal crashes. A 75% reduction in injury crashes.A 30% to 40% reduction in pedestrians being struck by a car (i.e. Your child walking home from school.I mean, if they did.None do now. But, back in the day, we walked to school and back every day.When I told my daughter this, she replied “Didn’t Grandma and Grandpa love you?…good point”).In addition, there would be a 10% reduction in bicycle crashes.And a 30% to 50% increase in traffic capacity…thereby enhancing traffic flow.Modern roundabouts reduce entry speed, which helps smooth out the flow of traffic.Traffic flows in one circular direction at a low speed of typically less than 25mph.

And with fuel at an all-time high, you will be happy to know, that, unlike an intersection, there is no idling in a roundabout since you are not waiting for a light to change.No stops and starts like you would have at an intersection where you would find yourself wasting fuel. With the flow of traffic at a continuance, this also saves us time (and time is money, right?).

So, there you go.There are numerous reasons why roundabouts are an excellent design idea.Other than the pretty flowers in the middle.So, don’t stop and smell the roses… just cruise around them…

Until next week….

Daun Thompson

(Daun Thompson is a comedienne, writer and artist residing in Dallas, Texas)

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