Yes. It has been awhile since I took the drivers ed classes that we as teenagers are excited for. But I am beginning to wonder if I need to re-take them because laws seems to have changed since my day. But, in not solely picking on the new drivers of this generation, I must have taken the wrong class because drivers of my generation as well as before mine also took a different class then I did.
I learned that you use a turn signal to turn either left or right or change lanes. Today: you drive straight with turn signals on and change lanes and make turns without them. Keep the other drivers wondering. Hmmm.....
I learned that you merge left or right when you find out that the lane you are in either closes or ends ahead. Today: you follow the lane up until it ends and then cut in. Hmmm...
Same with entrance lanes on expressways. I was taught to begin merging as soon as you complete the turn onto the expressway. Today, cars take them to the very end and then cut over. And I was taught that cars in the right lane of the expressway are to merge left to let those cars enter. Nope, not anymore.
I learned that left turn lanes are just for that. Turning. Well... a couple days ago, a vehicle turned left onto the road I was on and was in the left turn lane. Then proceeded to drive down the lane (heading the same direction as I am). A couple miles pass and the car who is driving down the left turn lane comes upon a car waiting in that lane to actually turn left (across the lanes I am in). The car who thinks the left lane is theirs, does not merge in with us but rather pulls into the left lane of oncoming traffic (which was fortunately clear) and passes the car waiting to turn and then goes back into the left lane and continues on. Hmmm..... And, on another left turn lane note, a few years ago I pulled into the left lane to make a turn and was hit by a car traveling rather fast down the left turn lane (traffic was heavy). We exchanged information but the police were never called. In general discussion later on with an officer I know, he told me that if the police were to be called for that accident, I would have been the guilty party because I pulled out in front of the other car. Huh???
And right turns??? I was taught that you get in the right lane to turn. Oh no, now the way apparently is to be in the far left lane (or maybe even center) and make the right turn.
Just when I thought I new all the rules, someone apparently changed them on me. I however am stubborn to changes and will continue the way I was taught and will let someone else out there write a blog about my "old fashioned" driving.