In SoCal, drivers know benefits of using blinkers

Q Recently you published a letter from a reader who had transplanted to Southern California. He commented on how drivers in that area seemed much more courteous, making the commute flow better.

From the mid-1970s on as a commercial driver I always found this to be true. Drivers in SoCal seemed to understand that by preparing in advance, moving over and avoiding sudden lane changes traffic could generally flow at higher speeds. This was always somewhat disconcerting in my early days as a truck driver when delivering in the L.A. area, as often traffic would be flowing near the limit while bumper to bumper. This has never been the case in the Bay Area, as driver attitudes here seem to have always been “what’s best for me,” rather than how to make the overall commute better for every one. Not understanding that in the end making the commute better for everyone will make the commute better for the individual as well.

This means moving over when faster traffic approaches from the rear (even when traveling at the posted limit), planning lane changes in advance (don’t divebomb), speeding up to the flow of traffic as you enter the freeway and never waiting to the last minute to change lanes. These simple changes to one’s driving habits would increase traffic speeds and reduce gridlock.

— Nick harrah, Cupertino A And it means using our blinkers, says David-A-Driving-Teacher: “So much of our traffic complaints would ease if we signal our moves like they do in Los Angeles.” Q on a If blinker busy you roadway, have on and your I’ll we’re almost certainly make room for you. If there’s a mile of open road behind me and someone speeds up with the intent to get in front of me, but doesn’t signal, I won’t make room. As for me, I won’t make space unless you put your signal on. I can’t guess what you’re trying to do without one.

A Which is what our pals in SoCal understand.

Q I remember being on a freeway with my college roommate driving. She was not one to signal. On one trip she was trying to change lanes and complaining that no one would let her in. I suggested she let the other drivers know she wanted to change lanes by putting her signal on. Voila! Space immediately opens up! Who woulda thunk that?

— C.M. J. Pilger, Fred Rios

And many more

A Don’t be a stinker. Use your blinker and chill.