pet peeve #3

pet peeve -- n. Informal
Something about which one frequently complains; a particular personal vexation.


The left turn lane.

There are many stop lights that have a left turn lane. It is a really great idea, you can get out of the way of the other drivers while you are waiting to turn left. That way, all of those people who are wanting to go straight can get going.

Some of these stop lights even have a left-turn arrow. Another great idea. This way you can make your left turn quickly, before the light allows all of the oncoming traffic to go.

But sometimes you don't quite make it through in time. The arrow changes to yellow, and then it disappears. This means that you can still turn left, you just have to wait until the oncoming traffic has cleared before you can go.

So... What do you do?

You pull out into the intersection and await an opening. And if that opening doesn't come, you can make that turn when the light turns yellow and the oncoming traffic has to stop.

This is OK. In fact, I can remember being in Driver's ED, and learning this principle. You are supposed to pull out into the intersection! Don't stay back. If you stay back, when the light turns, you have to wait until the next green arrow!

Someone needs to spread the word! "PULL OUT THERE!"

It is driving me crazy. I love living in the southern part of the United States, but nobody has taught these people how to use this turn lane!

Oh well.


pet peeve #1
pet peeve #2