|
|
NEW DMV test for L.A. driversAug 07 '02 Write an essay on this topic.
Popular Products in Cars
The Bottom Line I love it here!! Would I do it all over again now? No way.
At least there should be.... I am a Los Angeles native (born and raised)...not the suburbs, but smack in the middle of the 900xx city. There are several things all drivers should keep in mind when driving in Los Angeles. First off, I would like to put to rest all the rumors regarding LA drivers...they're all true. (lol) 1 Drivers love their horns: Don't take it personally when another sounds the horn or gives you a one finger salute...this is normal and should not be a reason to get worked up...you have other things to worry about. 2 Always wave "thank you" when another driver allows a lane change: This is obvious. Courtesy leads to courtesy. 3 Get out of the fast lane if you aren't going at least 80-85 mph: The number one lane is reserved for Mario Andretti's and Unsers. This is the first place CHP will look to cite. Especially avoid this during the end of the month (CHP meeting their quotas.) In case you decide you have qualified to drive in the fast lane, make sure you have a "gimp" (who is someone driving in front of you) to "act" as a shield. Generally, there is only one cop able to pull only one car over. Make sure it's not you. 4 Learn your surface streets: I live 10 miles for downtown Los Angeles. 45 minutes by freeway or 20 minutes by surface street during rush hour. 5 Don't honk at people parked in the middle of the street talking: Especially if you don't know the neighborhood. Road rage may be instigated even at this speed. Try make as little noise as possible and go around them. If there is a cache of drivers behind you, rest assured, someone else will honk. *(it should be noted that sounding the horn in this is situation is a ticketable offense..I've seen it happen to a guy that honked at me. Visit the Triple A www.AAA.com, website for literature) 6 Always keep a quarter tank or more of gas: In case someone is following you home or you need a little extra to get safely without stopping through Exposition Park when the 110 Harbor freeway is closed. 7 Don't signal a lane change as you are making a lane change: L.A. drivers will eventually allow you to change lanes if you signal long enough. Drivers tend to "pick up the slack" if you try to make an unsignaled, thus unsavory, lane change. However, if you are lost and need to get off at an exit (and there is traffic), then slow down significantly, signal, stick your hand out of the car, and proceed very cautiously and slowly in the direction you wish. 8 Turn that signal off: Please check your indicator to make sure you are not signaled if you intend not to be. 9 Beware of insurance scams: If you find yourself driving on the freeway at a fast rate and notice another attractive individual in the car next to you...keep driving. A popular staged accident scenario here in the Southland is for that person to honk to get your attention while another vehicle pulls up in front of you and slams on their brakes. As a result, you rear-end another and are left holding the gun. 10 Always keep on eye on your rear view mirror: Be sure to watch for suspicious cars. If you think you are being followed, make a few turns. If the car is still following you, call for help and find the nearest police station. The police are helpful and most of the time will escort you home or stay with you until you feel safe. 11 You snooze, you lose: There will never be more than a half car gap between cars, so consider this when making a lane change and, please, over estimate the size of your vehicle. On the other hand, please do not leave a 4 car gap in rush hour. 12 Always carry a Thomas Guide: Since traffic occurs more often than not, be sure you know where you are going in case of diversion to a seedy area. If you look nervous stopped at a light, some will accost you. In this situation, "punch it"...that's where the quarter tank of gas comes in handy. 13 Avoid driving alone at night, lost in a neighborhood where all the windows have bars: No these bars are not meant to keep people in but rather keep unlikelies out. 14 And of course, last but not least, the obvious: Don't apply make up, stare at others intently, yell at other moving cars, or drive super slow. Free flowing traffic is a commodity in the Southland. These are the lessons I have learned over the years. I have been followed and a victim of an attempted car-jacking (and I don't even have a flashy car.) I religiously abide by these rules and have found driving to be safer..and lest I say, almost fun?!! Thanks for reading and rating my review! Boarder_patrol Disclaimer: this article is NOT meant to instigate illegal driving techniques but published for mere entertainment. Thank you.  |
| Write the first comment on this review! |
|
