by Jackie Atkinson

Created on: November 11, 2009   Last Updated: November 12, 2009

Winter is coming and along with it, bad driving conditions. I commute ten miles, five days a week to my job in Londonderry, NH and encounter some terrible driving habits on a daily basis. Many of these are outright violations which endanger both the driver and any cars or people around them. There are other commuters but also high school students on the way to school who are the offenders.

For those who are forgetful about driving safely, here are a few tips to make everyone's ride more secure.

Stop signs mean, STOP! Many drivers need to look up the meaning of the word in the dictionary or perhaps Google it. Every single day I encounter several drivers who just barely slow down or just roll on through. I can't count how many times I've almost been rear-ended by drivers who assume I am going to do just that. I have a standard shift. I stop and start again in first gear.

The lines painted on the road are for drivers to stay between. Those who disregard those parameters probably had trouble staying in the lines when it came to coloring back in kindergarten! The double solid lines in the middle are not racing stripes, they mean do not cross, pass, and get to the front of the line. It is understandable to have to swerve to avoid joggers, dog walkers, bikes, etc. but that is a law.

When you are behind the wheel, please pay attention to the road. That means do not apply makeup, text friends and family, fiddle with a CD or search for something in your purse or back seat. I have watched drivers swerve all over the road, crossing the double yellow line doing any of the above. On hilly, winding roads, it is nearly impossible for a driver coming over a hill to see you coming, especially on the wrong side of the road.

This is not a law but should be. When you need your windshield wipers, put your lights on. Wipers are needed when the weather conditions are less than favorable. People need to see you coming and going in fog, rain or snow. White cars in snow are all but invisible as well as gray and black cars in the dusk, fog and rain. The other morning, there was a black VW Jetta in front of me with no lights on. It was rainy and still dark. This driver did not have his or her lights on. From a distance, they were almost invisible. You don't want to be surprised by being hit because someone didn't see you coming. Speaking of rain and snow, a good rule to remember is keep one car length for every 10 mph you are going to allow ample room to stop. Tailgating is not a smart thing in bad weather or anytime for that matter.

This brings up another problem. Directionals. So many drivers do not use them. Never assume a person is turning. I realize it is difficult to smoke, eat or talk on the phone, drive and signal a turn but you are driving after all and that takes precedence. I remember cars way back when that never had a cup holder. People just didn't eat or drink in the car unless you were on a long trip and most often, you pulled over to eat. Talking on a wireless phone was science fiction!

I guess by now you think I've vented enough and I suppose I have. I've been driving for 46 years now and have seen plenty of driving No No's. I just want people to be more careful and be aware that they are not the only ones on the road. It might just save your life and the lives of others. Be safe dear drivers, I'll be watching.

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