This is part five of a five-part special this week called Road Rules.

On Monday, I wrote about people who don’t know how to make turns.

Tuesday, I wrote about the ballet of cars that I find constantly dancing in front of me.

The topic of Wednesday’s post was about frustrating pedestrians in Utah.

Yeserday, Thursday’s post concerned bicyclists and joggers.

Today, the last day of this series, I want to talk about the good drivers I encounter on the roads.

A courteous driver pauses to let someone out while they’re already stopped.  There’s little need to pause for someone without any reason to stop (unless it might cause an accident).  This is dangerous, as many drivers coming up behind you (or on your side) may not understand what’s going on, and could cause an accident with you or the car you’e trying to let you.  However, if you’re stopped at a light, a stop sign, or in traffic, it’s very nice to allow someone out.  Sometimes, things don’t work out well to let someone out, but don’t worry about that.  Your intention speaks volumes.  Just remember, you shouldn’t be stopped in the middle of an intersection with another road.  If the light above you changes, you’re now blocking traffic in the other direction.  Gauge this appropriately.

A nice driver doesn’t pass you on the right.  It happens a lot in Utah.  I understand there are a lot of people in this state that drive in the far-left lane at a slower pace than the speed limit or average traffic speed.  If they’re doing the speed limit, how much complaining can you really do?  You’re probably the one speeding in that case.  But if someone’s going 50 on a 65 MPH highway, your “cruising speed” should be enough to pass them on their right.  But if they’re already doing 75 in a 65 and you want to go 85, passing on the right side of them is just plain dangerous.  You can’t predict that people on the far right are going to do.  Often, they’re a lot like you and want to weave in and out of traffic.  Passing like this is reactionary and fast - and so is a side swipe accident.

A safe driver doesn’t turn left five seconds after the light’s turned red.  Are you stupid or something?

A courteous driver knows when to use common sense instead of the “I’ve been sucking on my tailpipe fumes” sense that often plagues drivers.  They don’t apply makeup unless they’re at a stop.  They don’t read books - ever.  That glance you keep making to the side of your door?  We know you’re texting, so stop it.  Not holding the phone in your right hand or in direct view of your driving is still just as bad.  Texting and driving is illegal here, and probably will be most places soon.  And no, IMing and emailing ARE the same.  Courteous drivers pay attention to the road, and what’s going on around them.

The ultimate road rule is common sense.  None of us are perfect.  But as long as we’re doing what we can, using our common sense,  to do our best, we’re a lot safer.  I’m a lot safer.  My wife and my kids are a lot safer.  And there’s nothing wrong with that rule.

Drive safe, everyone!

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