17 July 2009

Tips From an Asian Driver Part III

Well, it has been a while since the last driving tip. Actually, it has been a long time since my last post in general. I was talking to a friend earlier decided that ranting is a great way to express yourself. What better way to rant than to talk about the driving tip of the day...and when I say "of the day", I mean every damn time you drive.

What to do when there is more than one turning lane. For this lesson I will use the example of making a LEFT turn. I am sure you can figure out how to use these tips for a RIGHT turn. This is the easy kind of left turn...the kind that has a specified turning lanes and signal lights.

Here is the situation. There is are two turning lanes to make a left on to the perpendicular street (remember left turns for this example) with three or more lanes. First of all signal to let others know that you are turning, especially if you are in a lane that allows you to go straight or turn.

Now, here is the tricky part. STAY IN YOUR LANE!!! If you are in the left-hand lane, you take the inside of the turn. When you finish your turn, you should be in the far left lane...start in the far left, end up on the far left. No drifting into other lanes. Really, this is not that hard. Sometimes, they even have dotted lines (occasionally solid lines) to assist you in making your turn. But really, any driver...including Asian drivers such as myself...can make this turn without the lines. There is no reason why you cannot execute this turn.

Now, if you are in the right-hand lane making a left, things change a little. You can take any lane that is SAFE, other than the far left-hand lane (see paragraph above). Again, there may be lines and markers to assist you on this, but you should be able to do this without those lines. Also, watch out for cyclists that maybe making the turn with you, they will take the far right lane.

Too many times, I have seen people in the left-hand turning lane cut across up to five lanes and end up on the far right after the turn, cutting off other drivers. WRONG! You are an idiot! You are a danger to yourself and other drivers. This is not only dangerous, but very annoying. Please follow this simple rules of the road...you know, since it is the law and all...and be careful out there. There are lots of Asian drivers out there. Even worse, there are non-Asian drivers that drive like Asian drivers.

...and please, leave the crappy driving to us Asians.