To the editor:
In an Aug. 28 Forum letter, Mr. Tolford Young noted several local driving idiosyncrasies that he had observed during his first year on Utah roads. As a 25-year veteran (survivor) of Utah traffic, I feel qualified to take his quiz.Anyone who drives the speed limit in Salt Lake will soon discover that every traffic light changes to red about one block before reaching the intersection. Experienced drivers have learned that most of the lights can be made by exceeding the posted speed by 10 to 15 mph.
On a multilane road, the right lane must be used for passing. This is required because the left lane is clogged up with slowpokes who refuse to move over no matter how much you honk and blink your lights.
A safe following distance would be three or more car lengths, but the best following distance is one car length. Obviously one-quarter and one-half are too close. However, if a driver allows three car lengths, someone else will squeeze in, leaving only one car length anyway.
After passing another vehicle, you must cut in front as soon as possible. If you delay, the car you passed will speed up and not let you in.
Anyone foolish enough to use the little lever on the left of the steering column will be rewarded in the same manner as above.
Every time you get behind the wheel in Utah is a driving test. A test of skill, nerves, faith, patience and bladder control.
I have survived driving in Los Angeles, New York, D.C. and other places. Their driving customs are different but no less bizarre. The signal lever is actually useful in L.A., but you can also get shot at. Utah plates are wonderful for driving in California. Everyone gives you such a wide berth, it is like having your own lane. New York traffic never exceeds 30 mph due to gridlock. Six flakes (whether snow or other) bring D.C. to its knees.
It is important to make eye contact during conversations. You must have faith that the other drivers will watch out for you.
I hope these tongue-in-cheek answers will help newcomers to better understand local driving customs and make the appropriate adjustments.
Charles L. Johnson
Taylorsville