Please Be Careful !

It is my job to assist the driver when we are in our vehicle. I do not read, knit, etc while we are driving. I look for mergers coming on, cars parked along the shoulder, emergency vehicles so DH has a heads up. Makes it much easier for him when approaching these areas. The middle lane is our friend in areas of congestion.

I always drive as if ALL drivers out there are NOT qualified to drive. I started driving on public roads when I was 14 years old. And, I have never been touched by another vehicle (on a public roadway).
I try not to be a "sitting duck". I always make an attempt to merge at a speed FASTER than the traffic (except when the traffic is slowing down for an accident or some other reason). If somebody cuts me off, or merges right in front of me, I never go into road rage. I'll do everything in my power to NOT get involved in a potential accident.
I always say, it's impossible for everyone with a driver license to be a good driver. I can spot a substandard driver when the accident is still in the "potential state".
I know, I know,.....it's hard to be humble....:B

Very sad indeed!

I think this is an example of what not to do. What I mean is if someone pulls in front of you hit the brakes and hold on. Don't try drastic evasion maneuvers. Every situation is different but the evasion part can get you more than the collision part.

Beware of anyone in a Honda or Toyota merging onto the freeway near a college town. I found on several occasions those cars contain drivers that really cannot make up their minds to speed up or slow down when merging onto the freeway. My wife accused me of being ridiculous (again) when I brought that up until the 5th or 6th occurrence in the same area. I just hold the middle lane and leave them to resolve their conundrums in a way that doesn't become my problem.

The on ramps to interstates are called "acceleration lanes" and the off ramps are called "deceleration lanes" and are designed to be just that. Unfortunately lots and I do mean lots of drivers have no clue how to use them. The "acceleration lanes" are the ones that are most dangerous IMO. Whether I am driving in my car or truck pulling the 5th wheel, I see drivers approaching the interstate on these lanes actually come to the point of entry and actually slow down or nearly stop and look over their shoulder before merging. Those I call idiots. I know when the "acceleration lanes" are coming when I'm traveling so as soon as I can I get over in the left or fast lane to avoid the on coming cars...if everybody does their job correctly, the flow of traffic should be mostly unhampered. But we all know how that is.

I drive my rig through the Los Angeles freeways, let me tell you how crazy that is, you prepare for anything and almost all situations, it's absolutely insane. Sad story. :(

I think half of these people found their driver permits in cereal boxes! These people certainly don't respect nor do they understand the rules and the way the highways work.

This summer I found far more problems with mergers not trying to fit in and just barreling down the ramp blindly. I also think those same people who expect me to stop to let them in would not play the same game with a semi as they know it is certain death. Usually these are people going one or 2 exits to avoid surface streets. I've also noticed many blowing through the on ramp control lights. VERY dangerous indeed. Yes if there is a middle lane away from mergers I will take it. If that gets me a ticket so be it.

I do believe the car pulled out in front of the truck/trailer. But, it really doesn't matter in the scheme of things does it? Drive defensively. If a car comes to an intersection be prepared. ASSUME they are going to pull in front of you. I watch their wheels. Be safe...Dennis

tomman58 wrote:
A little hint, when the road way interstate becomes 3 lanes instead of two, get in the 2nd lane or follow the semis as they know the game. Never put yourself in the first lane unless you are exiting.
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I drive a major 3-lane interstate to work every day. The trucks drive in the middle lane as you suggest, as well as the slow lane. It creates major traffic problems. Ive heard this is something they were going to crack down on in NJ, as it is not legal.