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.

Tips From An Asian Driver Part II

I find that some drivers, usually in a one lane road, tend to take the middle and do not signal. Are you going straight? Right? Left? Meanwhile, there is a line of cars behind you waiting on you for your next move. Remember to signal to let others in on your big secret.

Here is an idea that may be helpful. If you are going to make a left turn...stay to the left. And, and...get this, if you are going to make a right turn...you guessed it, stay to the right. Remember to signal to let others in on your big secret.

Just because you are Asian, does not mean you have to drive like one. And if you are not Asian...you have no excuse.

Tips From An Asian Driver

I think I am going to start a series. It may well be a series of one. Let me start with a little introduction.

I am Asian...and when I am driving my Asian Import car, that makes me an Asian Driver. So, I am an expert on the subject. I really do not care about the stereotypes of Asian drivers...actually, they are all true. With that in mind, I will give tips to other drivers. Like you, I usually give these same tips to drivers on the road as I am driving. Because we all know that the best driver on the road is yourself and everyone is stupid or crazy.

Without further delay, I present you with...lane changes.

First rule, LOOK BEFORE YOU CHANGE LANES!!!

Signal before you make a lane change. Give at least three clicks of the signal light before making your move. Then, look again and make sure you have enough space and driver in other lane gives you the opening. Make your lane change, thank the car behind you with a simple wave. Pretty simple.

There are other factors involved. When merging into another lane, do it smoothly. If I can see through your driver's side window and through your passenger window, you are doing it totally wrong. Move back two spaces, lose a turn.

You should also only cross one set of lane dividers. If at any time your vehicle crosses more than one set, two things happened. You did not look, and you most likely did not signal. Lose a turn.

Conversely, if it takes you more than five cars lengths to merge into the lane. You are moving way too slowly. Drivers in said lane have the right to honk at you and flip you off. You also must stay in the lane and let the car behind you pass you and give you a dirty look.

Now that you know what to do, keep an eye out for other drivers that may want to merge into your lane. Hey, let them in. You can afford to be one car behind.

One more thing, when you have settled into your desired lane...TURN OFF YOUR SIGNAL LIGHT!!!

Remember, you may not be Asian, but there is a chance that other drivers are.