Too many drivers in Greensboro drive as if they're the only ones on the road or that they always have the right-of-way. If they use them at all, many drivers use their turn signals to indicate what they've done rather than what they intend to do.
Recently, I was immediately behind a city police car as it exited a parking lot. While waiting to make my right turn, I noted the police car didn't have on its turn signal. I guess he thought being in the right turn lane was signal enough. No big deal. However, when he moved into traffic, he crept toward the center lane as if to make a left turn -- no signal. He didn't complete the move and tentatively came back into the right lane -- no signal. He then moved to the far right and pulled up on to the shoulder, leaving two wheels in traffic -- again, no signal. Fortunately, I was paying attention. Had I not been, I could have swerved into another car or hit the rear of the police vehicle.
Is it too much to ask that our police drive more safely than the general public?
Sandy Bundgaard
Greensboro
Comments (6)
I couldn't agree more. I will say that one of the reasons people don't use their turn signals more is because other drivers often see that turn signal and speed up to make sure that person can't get over in the lane they are trying to go. If you don't give a turn signal, that driver doesn't have time to react in time to be a jerk. Unfortunately, we have a Nascar mentality in this city where the majority of drivers like to race from one red light to the next. That includes the cops.
Posted by mr t | February 17, 2005 8:59 AM
Mr. T: Put your signal on and I'll let you over; even slow down to do it. I don't think I'm the only one. Courtesy can spread, but only if we individually take responsibility for our driving. Let the jerks be jerks, the rest of us can start spreading some good driving manners.
Posted by Roch101 | February 17, 2005 11:33 AM
Several times over the years I have been near cops driving poorly or, at least, illegally and the first thing that comes to mind is Gomer Pyle yelling, "Citizen's arrest! Citizen's arrest!" Cops who disobey the laws they enforce (when not in pursuit or on a call) are hypocrites and should be held accountable. The questions are, "Who do you call on the cops?" and "Do you have the gumption to make the call?"
Feh.
Posted by Sam | February 17, 2005 12:57 PM
I don't have enough fingers to count the number of times I've seen a cop speeding, or turn on the siren to run a red light, or arrest someone for standing up for their rights, or otherwise abuse what little bit of power they've managed to secure for themselves in their life.
There are some good cops, I know. But the bad ones sure taint my overall image of law enforcement.
Posted by Rusty Sheridan | February 17, 2005 7:39 PM
I have to say that people here in general don't use their turn signals. The fact that the police do the same just means that as a community, we have to focus on better driving skills. I cannot say that I have never shifted lanes without a blinker (that's what we say on the West Coast anyways) but I rarely miss flicking on my lights.
While I'm at it, those that tailgate better quit it. One day, I might find it amusing to slam on my brakes and have your insurance pay for a new BMW 700 series to replace my current vehicle. *laugh*
Posted by Ben | February 18, 2005 1:24 AM
I'm not saying police who don't follow rules of good driving are bad officers. I do appreciate the work our police do; yet, at the same time, I expect them to set the example, especially when in uniform and when driving marked vehicles. I'm not a perfect driver, but I am a careful, considerate driver who applauds others who are the same. Careful, considerate driving should be the rule and not the exception.
Posted by Sandy | February 19, 2005 10:58 AM