Traffic Blog: Inconsiderate drivers

Don't let a bad driver engage you in road rage. Avoid the situation altogether.

The next time you roll through a toll plaza in the rain, take notice about how many people don't turn off their windshield wipers.

It is not at all funny to see the toll collector close their window to protect his or her computer and dry clothing from the rain that is sprayed towards the open toll window from the windshield wipers.

Perhaps the first thing you notice as you approach a toll both is the big sign that says, "Turn windshield wipers off." This is not just a common courtesy to the person taking your toll money; it's also a requirement during the rain as you pass through a toll plaza.

There are also those inconsiderate drivers who blast past stopped police vehicles on the side of the roadway as if they weren't even there. The law states that if you are approaching a police officer or other emergency vehicle on the side of the road, you must move over to another lane. If it's not possible to move over, you must reduce your speed by at least 20 mph.

It's not at all funny to see people on their cell phone just blazing by as if the emergency vehicle didn't exist. These men and woman risk their lives daily to keep us and our families out of harm's way, yet some of us are so inconsiderate that they almost appear not to notice a police officer who has a car pulled over dangerously close to the roadway.

Ever notice those fine men and woman in those funny looking white trucks who patrol our interstates for stranded drivers? They are known as Road Rangers. This is a free service from the Florida Department of Transportation. Again, I have seen way too many people barreling down the roadway at speeds that could shake a Road Ranger's hat from his or her head as they pass dangerously close to the pulled over Road Ranger.

I am not here to lecture anyone, but I hope as readers you keep in mind that driving is a privilege, not a right. Anyone operating a motor vehicle has a moral and civic obligation to adhere to the laws and use good judgment and common sense.

I see way too many violations and dangerous habits on a daily basis, including:

• Those who cross solid lines
• Those who race past you with one hand on the wheel and their other hand on a cell phone
• Those who blast their music so loud they couldn't hear a fire truck, ambulance or horn even if it meant that it would save their life
• Those who cut in your lane because they think it will save them a few minutes
• Those who are so engrossed in a conversation with a passenger that they are completely unaware of their surroundings

These are all very bad habits that can lead to accidents. My point in all of this is, please be sure when you are driving that you are totally aware of the surrounding roadway and other vehicles. Allowing yourself to lose concentration because of a cell phone or other distraction will not protect you against an inconsiderate driver or from those who do not follow the rules of the road.

On a more positive note, I want to thank everyone who recently signed up for my new consumer network. We continue to grow and are now offering more exclusive deals and great values for consumers. We are always interested in new members as well as service and goods providers.

Our nitrogen-tire fill offer, among other new offers, is still in place and represents a great value and convenience. For more information, please visit our web site.

Regards, Russ Handler

• Contact Russ
  

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