Model Citizenship

We will likely all agree that inner city traffic in Southern California could stand for some improvements. Too many cars on too few streets with way too many stoplights - a recipe for certain congestion that sets the stage for writhing frustration before even reaching the freeway - a certain path to road rage! While the California State Vehicle Code has made a valiant effort in providing some structure to the way we drive, it falls short on a particularly important matter - teaching a fundamental common courtesy for fellow drivers.

So, to show that I care about my fellow drivers and to do my part in providing a little reprieve, I wanted to discuss a few not-so-model actions at red lights. I have included a diagram to help you follow-along (for all you visually oriented folks). Just click the picture for a closer view.

Scenario A
For the first scenario we have the classic “I will not allow you to make a left turn on my watch” drama. In examining the intersection, you will note the line of “offensive” drivers all lined up in the left-hand lane when there is plenty of room in the middle lane to sit and wait at the red light. Now, say I was in the white vehicle and wanted to turn left at the light. I would now be forced to wait for two cycles of the light because these not-so-model drivers decided to block the access to the turn lanes…usually for no good reason at all!

Scenario B
In this situation, we have a similar drama - a selfish driver sitting in a turn lane intending to go straight, blocking cars from making a right turn. Now, sometimes I understand the need to make a right turn immediately after an intersection - so it would make sense to be in the far right lane. However, even in this situation the driver going through the intersection could show a little courtesy and stay as far as possible to the left side of the lane - leaving enough space for cars to make a right turn if desired.

In both of these scenarios, there is one additional issue to be considered: Let’s close up those spaces between cars at intersections! We have already established there are far too many cars on the road - so where is the logic in 2-car gaps at intersections? This further adds to blocked turn lanes and more missed green lights….

I know, I know…this is way too much to ask for in this day and age when most people live by the phantom rule of proximity….as in the space they occupy and the immediate 6 feet around them is off limits to all others! Something has to give… How about giving up a little of “your space” you might just find it’s the model thing to do!

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