Bad traffic, Bad drivers

Traffic is quite the conundrum.

In this country, there are laws that every driver is supposed to follow so that traffic can move safely and smoothly. I have driven in Mexico, and let me be the first to say: "Thank God for traffic laws."

Traffic is composed of hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals. Each individual has almost limitless variables concerning everything from their car and equipment, to mood and temperament. While everyone should be driving the same, clearly we do not.

Nowhere is this more obvious than our two major freeways – SPID and the Crosstown Expressway. Given the limited number of lanes on these roads, you would think figuring out the best lane to be in would be easy.

First you have the right lane. Getting on and off the freeway requires you to be in, or cross this lane. So logically this lane should be for cars entering and exiting the freeway. Should be.

However, how many times have you found yourself squeezing between cars to exit the freeway only to find that the two cars you merged between were not exiting the freeway?

Or worse, when you are trying to merge onto the freeway, that the lane is blocked by some driver just too inconsiderate to move over to the middle lane.

Speaking of the middle lane – unless you are passing someone, this should be your home on the freeway. This is the lane in which to get comfortable. Anyone going faster can go around you on the left and you are not obstructing anyone getting on or off the freeway.

Everyone should know the one rule for the left lane – it is for PASSING. This may be news to a lot of you, but disregard for this rule is the number one cause of road rage…according to my own statistical analysis.

I know, you're going the speed limit, so no one should have to pass unless they are speeding, and if they left earlier, they wouldn't need to be in a hurry. However, do you really want to assume you know why they are speeding?

Do you want to slow down a parent getting his or her sick or injured child to a hospital? It's true that not all speeders have such noble reasons, but I for one will give them the benefit of the doubt.

Three lanes; a purpose for each lane – I hope this clarifies some things for some of you out there. The rest of y'all just keep up the good work and I will see you on the road.