Right of Way
After verrrry slow 287 traffic with no reasonable explanation at 9 o’clock in the morning I found myself at an intersection, waiting for my green arrow to make a left turn. Let me lay out the scene in gross detail. I am behind 2 other cars, all waiting for the divine nod of the green arrow. Across the way are several cars waiting at a red that I happen to know is clearly marked “No Turn on Red.” They are at the base of a winding hill.
After a few long moments, my little lane of cars is blessed with the green and we start rolling. At this point, a very old, rusted out van decides to make the illegal right on red and almost plows into the lead car in my row. We all slam on our brakes, as the van driver flips our collective the bird and chugs away with smoke pouring from his tailpipe.
But here’s where it gets good.
As I move into the left turn, a little Honda comes shooting down the hill. I am still well protected under the auspices of my green arrow, so I’m not too worried. At least, not at first. As she cruises down to the bottom of the hill, it is clear she has no intention of stopping…at the red light…the ‘No Turn on Red’ red light. Just as a bead of sweat pops on my brow, she hits the brakes with an audible squeal. And…this is what really got me fumed…she leans on the horn and starts yelling at me through the windshield.
I wanted to launch my new design with this, one of my favorite types of stories. A really really really bad driver story. There’s no point, I guess, other than to ask anyone who might read this to please, please please understand two simple things.
1. Even when it is legal to turn right on red, you still have to come to a complete stop first.
2. When you screw up, don’t yell and honk at me. I’m fragile. Show a little kindness. Please.