When last I wrote in this series, I bitched about highway driving -specifically about the common driver’s obliviousness to his “vapor trail” in rainy conditions and how it impacts the person he just moved in front of. Today I will speak about my biggest irritation with some drivers on local streets.

Here, too, there is so much to be pissed about. From the jerk in a real hurry who thinks riding people’s bumpers will make them go faster, to the timid driver whom thinks cruising well below the speed limit is somehow safer in the midst of cars moving at the speed limit envelope (defined as no more than 5 miles above the speed limit in limits at or below 45). And let us not forget the always irritating clueless individual who is very slow to make a move from a stop when the light turns green - especially when said street light has a well known history of being very quick.

But the aspect that pisses me and many off more than anything are those whom are either oblivious or in err to the use of turn signals. Yes, those flashing little lights on your car that communicate to other drivers what your intentions are.

I will admit that I use turn signals to the max - probably more than I need to. But I consider it very important and respectful to tell other drivers what I’m about to do: When I change lanes, when I’m going to turn, when I’m taking an exit or entrance ramp, when I’m intending to merge. Do I expect this same level from others? No. But I do expect a certain minimal use, if not for safety sake, but at least to be respectful.

The biggest irritation, unquestionably, is the disuse or misuse of a turning signal when making a left off of a busy road that does NOT have a dedicated left turn lane. This is the definition of an asshole: Your driving down a road with someone in front of you and an intersection is approaching. You’re in the left lane and have at this point the opportunity to move to the right lane, but do not because the traffic there is slower and the man in front of you appears to be going straight through the intersection. You both stop at the red light and both lanes fill up with cars. The light turns green and the person in front of you moves up a little, stops, THEN puts on his left-turn signal, leaving you stuck behind him and unable to pass him because the right lane is now full up with cars moving through the green and the other side of the road is equally congested so he can’t make his left turn. Only with luck are you able move forward or get out of that lane before 2-3 cycles of the light turning red. ASS-HOLE!!!!!!

My bitch is directed at both driver education and law enforcement. When drivers in training are taking the road test, this situation should be tested. if they do what I described above, they should be immediately failed. Law enforcement should take a break from issuing speeding tickets for people just driving along at faster but understandable speeds and start focusing on these turn signal assholes. The ticket might not be that much, but I guarantee you - if a police officer pulls someone over for committing this blatant disregard for other drivers, and bitches him out for it , he probably will not do it again.