by Author Name Withheld 145

Created on: August 01, 2008

As I have lived and traveled throughout these United States, I have found different parts of the country have different styles of driving.

Texas drivers are, for the most part, considerate and relaxed. They drive the speed limit and are most likely to use the universal "you go ahead" hand motion.

New Jersey drivers are, for the most part, reckless and rude. The ether that is New York seeps across the river and makes Jersey residents angry at the world, and they drive accordingly.

Utah drivers are, for the most part, clueless idiots. Utah is famous for its "moving road blocks" where as many cars as there are lanes decide to line up side by side, go five to ten miles per hour under the speed limit and refuse to less anyone pass. They are completely unaware of their surroundings.

California drivers are, for the most part, crazy but accommodating. While they swerve in and out of traffic relentlessly, and always drive at least ten miles per hour over the speed limit, they are very aware of what's going on around them. As long as you drive like they do and go with the flow, everyone will be happy.

New York drivers are, for the most part, hurried and melodramatic. The pulse of the city makes them think they have to be wherever they have to be ten minutes ago. The only traffic laws obeyed are semaphores, and they will quickly yell or honk at anyone who inhibits their journey. But their bark is worse than their bite.

And all of these different driving styles more or less work for the culture of which they are a part. I have qualms with certain aspects of each, but I am able to overlook the bad to see the good. Life goes on and people get to where they need to be.

However, one rule of the road almost always universally ignored by all of these driving styles is: Keep Right, Except To Pass. While this rule isn't always applicable for in-city driving, when traveling on the freeways and multi-lane highways that span this great nation, it is essential.

It is my belief that if everyone was to follow the creed: Keep Right, Except To Pass, it would solve 80% of traffic problems (whether that be accidents or simply congestion).

It is also my belief that if people would follow the same principle in their daily lives - of not only being aware of others, but being accommodating to them - it would solve 80% of life's problems.

It would be nice if we all could, in our day to day lives, focus on those around us and consider their journey. It most certainly won't slow us down and we can all get to where we're going on time.

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