I have a couple of questions for the drivers of PG. How hard is it to merge with traffic? Do you know the meaning of a turning lane and what its used for? Do you know what the lever on the left hand of your steering wheel is used for?
I have lost count at how many times drivers in this town will stop on a merge lane. First off, it is dangerous and an accident waiting to happen especially if you stop right on the corner entering the merge lane. Merging is simple and complicated all at the same time. The person merging must have a safe opportunity to join traffic flow and the drivers coming up to the merge lane should be courteous but that rarely happens. Please don't stop on the merge lanes and drivers, let others merge. It's better and safer for everyone involved.
Turning lanes are all over this city yet people can't seem to understand the simple symbols painted on the pavement or placed on a sign at the turning lane. It's very simple pictography but apparently it is way beyond the understanding of many drivers in this city. Then there is the turning lane that allows drivers to turn left in the middle of the road between the two yellow lines. It's very easy to use. You pull in between the yellow lines with the prominent white symbol painted on the ground indicating this is a turning lane and you make your turn. Pretty simple, isn't it? Well it apparently is rocket science to many people and very complicated to understand.
That lever on the left hand of your steering wheel lifts up or down and is a turn indicator that lets drivers behind you and those coming towards you know that you are turning by way of a flashing amber light at the front and rear of your vehicle. It's a simple concept really. Yet again for many it is something that is beyond their area of knowledge. If you don't use your turn signal, you're an accident waiting to happen.
Lastly, on ICBC's website you can take a free multiple choice road test to see how knowledgeable you are about road use, driving ability and common sense. I encourage you to take it but I suspect many won't because they think they are good drivers.
Dean Soiland
Prince George
