Here in America, we drive on the right side of the road...
If there is one thing that annoys me to no end, it is to be driving through a neighborhood, parking lot, or any other road way that does not have a dividing line in the middle, and be almost run over or sideswiped by some other motorists who is driving either in the middle of the road, or all the way in the left lane.
OK, so maybe, once in a blue moon, that motorist I am passing and swapping paint with is a new British-born immigrant, or maybe a temporary visitor. If that were the case, I would just wave my hand and give them a friendly "tally ho!" and be on my way to pick up some fish and chips at the local pub. But you know that this is not the typical scenario. It is far, far worse.
So let's get it out in the open that most American motorists know to drive on the right side of the road. Let's also admit that most motorists can be divided into one of three camps, as to where on the right side of the road they most often remain: far right, middle, or far left. Mind you, I am talking about still being squarely in the right lane, however wide it may or may not be, so those 3 camps simply refer to your normal orientation within the right lane. Anywho, I am a middle driver, and I hope most of you resolve to be either a middler like me, or at least, a far righter. For those of you who gravitate towards the dark far left, beware. My vehicle is thoroughly waxed, large, and I will happily pilot it so close to your left side door handle you'd swear you could smell my breath as I pass by your far left oriented heap.
Now to the matter at hand - specifically - staying on the right side of the road, whether there is a dividing line or not. Allow me to go into my fit for the day: What is up with you people who insist on driving right down the middle of the road, or worse-- driving all the way in the left lane? Does it make you feel better? Are you more secure over there? Does your wheel not go towards the right? Have you ever thought about the fact that another motorist will now have to either stop, swerve to miss you, or.....perish the thought.....you encounter ME when pulling such a stunt, and you find yourself in immediate peril? I mean, does it take a white line to remind you that you live in America?
Thank you. I feel better. However, the situation at hand is not resolved just yet. I challenge you to take a test, dear reader. The next time you are driving through a quiet neighborhood, or in a parking lot, etc., watch other drivers for this behavior, and better yet, watch yourself. Sure, there may be a car parked half in a yard and half in the street in your neighborhood, but that doesn't mean you have to go all the way over to the left lane to go around, and then, oh-so-slowly finally make your way back to the right side. If you can't tell whether or not you have a foot or so of clearance between your car and the car on the side of the road, you have bigger problems than right or left sideness. You have perception and visibility problems that will ultimately spell doom for you. No kidding. Adjust your mirrors, sit up in the seat, buy a smaller car with bigger windows - or whatever it takes. If you have to have 5 feet of clearance when 2 feet is more than enough, you need to hand over the keys. You are a menace on the road, waiting for an accident to happen.
Most accidents on America's highways are either frontal, or partial-frontal collisions. A portion are due to alcohol, but most are from distracted or inattentive drivers who just love to gravitate towards the middle of the road. Listen, as many blonde women as there are in this country wizzing through mall parking lots in their big SUV right down the middle of the lane, it's a wonder we don't have millions of deaths in those parking lots every year.
The Main Point is This: Always, always, always drive either squarely in the middle, or better yet, towards the right side of the right lane in all cases. There ARE other drivers on the road, and no two cars can occupy the same space in the middle of the road. So put down the brush, comb, cell phone, or beverage, pay attention to where you are in the road, and remember that here in America, it's the right side.
If you want to get left, hop across the pond and have fun. Just do us a favor and stay there.
Car Care Tip of the Month (or Summer)
Summer is basically gone, so I won't bore you with details about how to summerize your car. However, the same basic tips apply all year round, so let's review some things to keep in mind automotively as fall and winter approach.
Unless you live in the deep south, winter time is usually harder on your car overall than summer, so take these tips to heart especially if you live close to the Mason/Dixon:
1. Wax: when it's cold, it is almost impossible to wax your car. Do it now, and then again later in the fall when you have one of those unusually warm days before winter sets in. Salt and ice and dirty snow wreak havoc on your paint, and running the vehicle through the car wash as a last resort is caustic at best. Wax, wax, and more wax. Once a month truly would not be unwarranted, so twice a year is a no brainer.
2. Electrical system tune-up: winter brings with it a bigger load on your alternator and battery. Lights, defroster, fan on high, radio, and rear window defroster-- sometimes all of these and more are called upon at one time, and it's a load electrically. Combine that with the fact that your battery is less effective and efficient in cold climates, and you have potential trouble. (this is why most batteries go out in cold weather). So, clean your battery connections thoroughly, and replace cables that may be cracking or showing wear. Clean the connection at the alternator too. If you drive infrequently and for short distances, invest in a battery charger and use it once a week, following instructions closely. Clean your windshield with a scraper before getting in and hitting the defrost on high. Don't run the radio when the load is on. Only use the rear defroster as long as necessary. Lighten the electrical load whenever possible and you may make it through the winter with the battery intact. (keep the inside of your windows clean all year round and it'll make a huge difference on defrosting requirements!)
3. Tires: Now is a good time to rotate them if necessary. Inflate them all to the highest number posted on the sidewall, and check that spare too! If they are about done, consider replacing them before nasty winter hits.
4. Lights: have someone help you do an outside check of all lights, blinker and stop bulbs, including backup lights, etc. Make sure they are all working, and replace any that are needed. In the winter, visibility is king, and you want to be seen in all conditions. If any of your headlights have water vapor in them, or are cloudy or just simply have been in the car for more than 5- 7 years, replace the bulbs. You don't have to wait until they are burned out, as all bulbs lose candle power over their life span. While at it, replace them with a brighter, whiter bulb upgrade. Consult your parts house manager for ideas or suggestions. Again, in the dark of winter, in the middle of a nasty rain/snow storm, being able to see is supreme.
5. Emergency Kit: get that cell phone charger back in the console. Throw an old blanket in the trunk. Get one of those flashlights that you only have to shake to power up. Have a bottle of water handy all the time. Consider buying a small kit with a few flares or traffic triangles. Put a few "power bars" in the glovebox. Think ahead, and take action.
6. The old Tune Up: Nowdays, a tune up is somewhat familiar to the old days, but in a new way. Replace spark plugs regardless of style or make if they have been in there more than 60,000 miles. If you've bought a used car, replace them regardless. It's fairly cheap, easy in most applications, and good insurance. Replace the air filter. Check the belt(s) for any wear. Again, if you see cracks or it's been more than 40,000 miles since last replacement, do it. Cheap, fairly easy, and a life saver, especially in the icy/wet/cold times of winter. Don't forget about the oxygen sensor. Most people do and then complain about an engine that hesitates or uses too much gas or is hard to start in the winter. Replace this sensor every 40- 50,000 miles and you will have happy motoring. Finally, clean the throttle body. If you don't know how, have someone do this relatively easy task for you, which consists of basically spraying some carburetor cleaner into the throttle body opening, upon the throttle blade, and wiping away all the collected carbon in this area. Result? Better idling, faster starting, and better throttle response.
Well, here's to precise driving, in all conditions. I promise to be more prudent and timely in my forthcoming installments of this fine blog.
