Life in the Fast Lane 4

I used to be a slick, aggressive, confident, EXCELLENT driver. Then, I moved to Florida.

Everyone races at least 10 to 30 miles faster than the posted speed limits, the people here seem to have invented tailgating, and if you drive anywhere close to the speed limit, to everyone else you’re the problem.

I truly can’t imagine what the driver’s education classes are like here.  So, just for fun – and to maintain my sanity – while I’m driving, I come up with things I envision they teach in Florida Driver’s Ed. Here are a few of the pointers I think they may offer, and my comments, of course.

1. If you intend to turn, don’t use your turn signal. If another car seems to be unsure of what you want to do, then proceed with no consideration for them. They’re likely novices.
   If you signal your intent, no one will have to guess what you’re going to do. Makes life too easy. We already live in the Sunshine State with great weather and an abundance of palm trees, beaches, and sunshine. Let’s give folks a challenge.
2. If you’re in danger of passing your exit, cut across all lanes the moment you realize it. Again, do not signal. It’s probably best that you don’t even look, or you will jeopardize your exit. Make your exit at all costs.
   Missing that exit could mean you have to drive an extra five or seven minutes to the next exit to resume your trip. God forbid.
3. The far right lane is best for passing. While the far left lane is the designated passing lane, don’t bother with that one. Weaving in and out from the right makes life more interesting.
   Besides, the people in the far left lane aren’t really passing anybody. They just like it over there until they realize they’re about to pass their exit. In that case, see #2.

These are just a few of my observations from behind the wheel. As the holidays approach, there’ll be even more folks on the road we’ll all have an urgency to reach our respective destinations. Plus, we’ll have precious family cargo onboard. I hope you find these tidbits helpful should you see a Florida license plate in front of you.

Do you have any driving tips from your city or state you’d like to share? Feel free to add your words of wisdom in the comments!