Welcome to Part 2 of my tips for diving. If you missed PART 1 CLICK HERE. These tips are not only for driving here but anywhere. Also, a few pet peeves, which brings me to my first tip.

LAPDOGS: If you own a dog, do you really need it to sit on your lap while you are doing 65 mph?  Would you put a baby on your lap while driving?  Secure the pooch and concentrate on the road.  I am sure neither party, other than you, will suffer from “separation anxiety”.  The dog will not be “put off” if they ride in the back seat or… do not call PETA on me, a cage!  Ever see what a small rock, or any debris, can do to a windshield when it is “kicked up” from the road? Remember that, the next time you allow your dog to hang its head out of a moving vehicle’s window.

TEXTING: Pull over to text.  You are not that coordinated to drive and text at the same time.  Try doing one thing very well instead of two things terribly.

TALKING ON YOUR CELL PHONE: See above OR purchase a hands-free unit. HOWEVER, if you like living on the edge with the potential of paying New York State $100-$150 here is a tip:  If you are going to hold your phone up to your ear, at least do it on the right-hand side of your head.  Why would you want to hold it on your left, next to the driver’s window, for the entire world, including the police, to see!?!

TRAFFIC SIGNALS Growing up did you ever play the game RED LIGHT/GREEN LIGHT? Run as fast and as far as you can when you hear “GREEN LIGHT!”  Then stop dead in your tracks when you hear “RED LIGHT!” All the while trying not to get caught moving. It was fun as a kid wasn’t it? As an adult trying to go from point A to B in a vehicle, not so much!

Before I get to this next section, I want to go on record as to say: The flow of traffic in this area, especially in Buffalo, is ridiculous!  The timing of the lights combined with the number AND placement of them is mind-numbing. Delaware Avenue and MAIN STREET, to name a few…are pathetic!  Mind you, I live in Buffalo and work downtown.  I live less than two (2) miles from where I work and it takes me 10-15 minutes to get to either place.  Trust me, it is not because of vehicle traffic, it’s because of these Three Color Green Menaces!

Here are a few tips to help yourself and fellow motorists at least cope with the aggravation.

RED LIGHT TO GREEN: The STOP LIGHT (when RED) is not time to “drift off”, clean out your glove box, text (see above), or daydream.  When the light goes GREEN be ready to move forward- Why are there delays every time a light goes GREEN.  I have been in delays so long (non-accident) that the light turns RED again and I’m still in the same spot.

Outside of a stalled vehicle, or any other obstruction preventing the continuation of traffic everyone, if paying attention, should all be moving at the same time.  Have you ever seen a colony of ants stop and stand still in a line?  Do ants have a better sense of traffic flow than we do?

TURNING: When allowed, you can turn right on RED. If you are in a single lane turning left into oncoming traffic, for the love of Henry Ford PULL UNDER THE LIGHT!  Yes, creep up under that green light.  Make sure you are far enough away so you can still see it when it turns yellow to red but close enough so other cars behind you who are not turning can get around you. This also works well if you are in the right lane going straight and the person behind you wants to turn right.  If you are first in line, show some love (and common sense) and pull up just enough to let your fellow motorist continue their journey.

So be careful and considerate when out on the highways and byways oh, and remember this tip, from Timber Hawkeye, the next time you get stressed, upset, or angry while being stuck in traffic.

“You’re not stuck in traffic; you ARE traffic. We blame society, but we ARE society. —Anonymous”
― Timber Hawkeye, Buddhist Boot Camp

 

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