When I was 16 I didn't want to drive. I had failed my road test twice and figured I would just be a cyclist. I didn't feel comfortable in a vehicle and ultimately didn't trust myself. Now, I pretty much do it for a living. Because of this I may not be as experienced behind the wheel as most my age, but I think I'm qualified enough to complain a little.
As Minnesotans, we have to drive in slippery conditions. We probably do it quite well, after all it's easier to stay alert when your worried about ending up the wrong direction in the opposite ditch. Or worse. I've been in an icy ditch and it is no picnic. Overall though, I'm not too worried in the winter. And then the sun comes out...
Dry pavement around here means the loss of driving skill. Especially when it comes to courtesy. Did you know that traffic on an acceleration ramp has the right of way to merge into traffic? If you did I'll bet you are in the minority. Thankfully I've never been in a serious accident, but I've come very close trying to get on to four lane highways. Both times it was an idiot semi driver who couldn't tell that the entire left lane was open. Of course neither had the "How's my Driving?" sticker.
It certainly doesn't help that MNDOT has decided that no road shall go without major construction this year. I should have stuck to my guns and gotten a Schwinn.
Posted by Bryan at May 26, 2004 10:35 PM