Wednesday, February 26, 2025

No left turn

We were in the left-turn lane, with two cars in front of us, waiting at a long, long light for a short, short turn signal. An SUV pulled up behind us. The driver pulled out her phone. How do I know that? I always check the rear-view mirror when I’m at a light.

“Put your phone away,” I said, five or six times. Yes, I talk to other drivers. Example: “Merge!” It matters not that they cannot hear me.

The left-turn signal came on and the cars in front of us began to move. We began to move. The SUV didn’t. How do I know that? I was checking the rear-view mirror. By the time the SUV began to pull forward, the signal had turned red and its driver was stuck waiting at a long, long light for a short, short turn signal. Next time I hope she listens.

comments: 6

shallnot said...

Sometimes Leo Kottke’s song “I yell at traffic” is a better alternative to driving…

Michael Leddy said...

That works too. Me, driving or not: "Did you see that guy?"

ksh said...

Remember that two wrongs don't make a right but three lefts do.

Michael Leddy said...

But only if you have the light. :)

Sean Crawford said...

lSo there I was, light red, safe with a dozen cars stopped ahead of me, and a score stopped behind. I thought I was safe, only because I am a member of the older generation from before devices. (Note: In Canada, unlike Los Angeles, cars move off one at a time)

Light turns red. I take my foot off the break waiting for the car ahead to move. WHAM! Hit from behind, by a guy who, on his "hands free" device, (he told me) had seen the green, panicked, hit the gas pedal, and hit me. My jaw had been of line to savour a sour candy, now I have a new normal: My two jaws will never feel equal again.

Michael Leddy said...

I’m sorry for your trouble. I got tapped once at a light, no damage, by a driver who was likely looking at a phone as the car drifted forward. “What were you thinking?” I asked. No answer.