Reviving Public Etiquette: A Focus on Driving Rules
In the last 15 years, it seems that America has largely let go of the social norms and etiquette that once made interactions in public spaces manageable. I figured it was time to establish Uncle Josh’s Finishing School, a place dedicated not to the refinement of manners like some schools of the past, but rather to a more remedial approach.
Today, let’s dive into the crucial topic of traffic rules. If you’re new here, please pull out your admission ticket. You’ll also need a copy of the unified vehicle code and your state’s New Driver Manual from the Department of Land Transportation. We’ll reference these materials.
I call this phenomenon “boxing in.” I encounter it every time I drive down I-89. Not only is camping in the passing lane a nuisance, it’s also illegal in several states.
Understanding “Coding”
The unified vehicle code serves as a model method, although it’s not an actual state or federal law. It functions as a standard framework that all states base their traffic regulations on.
Your state should have a driver handbook available through the Department of Transportation, which closely resembles others across the country. Sure, there are some regional quirks—like New York City’s prohibition on turning right at red lights—but for the most part, they’re consistent.
This session applies to everyone. Whether you’re a grandmother from the baby boomer era, a Gen Xer, a millennial, or even a Gen Zer, it seems that many folks forget basic traffic rules.
These rules are not only about courtesy; they significantly impact safety. With numerous foreigners and illegal immigrants on the road, we Americans aren’t exactly the best at driving safely ourselves.
Road Disarray
Looking at the bigger picture: Over recent years, especially post-COVID-19, American drivers seem to be acting as if all familiar road rules have simply vanished.
It’s as if no one knows who has the right of way at a four-way stop anymore. There are drivers breezing through red lights without a second thought. Even the left lane on the interstate, traditionally reserved for passing, has become a mystery.
I can’t help but think that people haven’t truly forgotten these fundamentals. Our culture may have shifted toward a more self-centered mindset, particularly after COVID-19, making individuals less considerate of others.
The trouble is that this self-absorbed attitude won’t offer any protection to reckless drivers. It’s not just others who could get hurt; their own safety is at risk, too.
Let’s highlight some of the most overlooked traffic rules.
Right of Way at Four-Way Stops
Picture this: an intersection with vehicles at all four corners, all halted at stop signs. Who goes first? In Vermont, a state known for its blue, progressive ideals, this can become a confusing situation. Drivers often try to be courteous, but their attempts may just complicate things.
At a four-way stop, cars inch forward for what feels like an eternity, and then someone gestures for another to go first. That might seem kind, but it often leads to accidents since no one else at the stop can predict what will happen next.
This isn’t being nice—it’s hazardous. Road laws exist to provide some semblance of predictability. Ignoring them leads to chaos. Here are some guidelines based on Vermont’s DMV manual, which reflect the same principles across the United States:
- The first vehicle to arrive has priority at a four-way stop. If there’s any doubt, consider this:
- In a situation with two cars, the driver on the right has the right of way.
- If more vehicles are involved, make eye contact and negotiate who goes first.
- After the lead car goes, the right of way shifts clockwise.
Right of Way at T-Junctions
- Cars on “direct roads,” or routes that don’t end, have the right of way.
- If you’re on a road that ends in a T, you must yield to traffic on the through road, even in the absence of a stop sign.
Unmarked Intersections
When two roads converge at a T or curve to join, traffic on the highway has the right of way. If you’re approaching from an access road, you need to give way to the direct road’s traffic.
Camping in the Left Lane
This is a significant irritant for me as a driver in Vermont. Here, our only major interstate—I-89—can get quite congested. The traffic flow on I-89 is essential for traveling through much of the state.
Yet, with only two lanes in each direction, having a driver linger in the left lane creates real problems. When one driver, for example, matches the pace of a truck in the right lane while going below the speed limit, it forces others behind them to remain stuck.
Once again, this “boxing in” is not just annoying; it’s also illegal in multiple states.
It’s critical to understand that even if it’s allowed in your state to drive in the left lane, it’s usually not the considerate choice for others. Try to remember how frustrating it can be to be hindered from passing by someone driving slowly in front of you. Let’s take a moment to empathize with other drivers.
Such inconsiderate behavior breeds disrespect and can lead to dangerous situations on the roads.
A Call for Action
While good intentions can guide responsible behavior, we also need effective law enforcement.
In my experience, local and state police often neglect serious issues. With the rise in distracted driving—more common now with smartphones—I notice officers focusing primarily on traditional tactics, like catching speeders on the freeway.
I’ve yet to see any strong enforcement regarding left lane camping, ignoring right-of-way rules, or catching distracted drivers. Sure, these violations are tricky to spot, but surely there must be better measures in place.
