In search of answers
Readers send many questions my way. Some have been answered before and others offer new opportunities for discussion; some questions have definitive answers while others just create more questions.
This week, C.K. offered some samples, writing, “I grew up in the Midwest and moved out here about 5 years ago. I work in Colville so I make the trip on 395 from Deer Park several times a week. It took me awhile to notice, but I think there is exactly one ‘No Passing Zone’ sign in that entire distance on either side of the road. With all of the hills, curves, and dense traffic these signs would be extremely helpful to mark the end of the passing zones. I grew up with them and they were extremely useful. I haven’t driven many other 2-lane roads in this state to know if it is the same on all roads. Is there some reason these signs aren’t used on 395? Or in WA state?”
NO PASSING ZONE signs in Washington are generally erected at highway points where local traffic is dense or where intersections exist with their associated turns on and off the highway. I think their general absence reflects intent to achieve more notice where they DO exist, since the “No Passing” message is important at locations where “hidden” vehicles may emerge with little advance visual warning. At times, signs may denote hilly areas where it is unsafe to pass, and may simply read: DO NOT PASS.
Washington’s more prevalent method of denoting areas where curves and hills make passing unsafe is with painted pavement markings. Such no passing zones are designated with a solid yellow line in the lane of travel adjacent to the center line. The center line is normally a yellow dashed line. Where there is both a solid and dashed yellow line between opposing lanes of traffic, you may not pass if the solid yellow line is on your side. Two solid yellow lines between lanes of traffic means neither side can pass. You may, however, cross these yellow lane markings (except a painted median) to turn left into a business or driveway when it is safe to do so.
And C.K. posed another question that has a less definitive answer, asking, “This is more of a minor annoyance, you’ve probably discussed it before. But why is it that people frequently speed up when you get to the passing lanes on 2-lane highway? Someone travelling 55 mph in a 60 mph zone suddenly finds the need to go 65-70 mph. Is it a psychological effect of that wondrous dotted-white line? Do they suddenly feel like they have more room so they are comfortable driving faster? Or do they really enjoy having a long line of cars behind them so they feel as though they are leading a parade?”
Inconsistent speed is definitely one of my pet driving peeves. As C.K. says, that inconsistency often manifests itself at the very moment you wish to pass and the offender speeds up. I’ve often said that a “pop quiz” many drivers would fail is the question, “What is your current speed?” Maintaining a constant speed is not that difficult, but it does entail monitoring your speedometer if you are not using cruise control. I guess it’s common for many drivers to be too affected by conditions, and go slower where the road is narrow and curvy, but faster where it’s wide and straight. I’ve also noticed that many drivers slow down on upgrades and speed up on downgrades. I believe it all results simply from a lack of effort applied to driving properly.
I’ve griped about a related offense committed by drivers who have enough speed to catch me, but ride my rear bumper (or left quarter panel on a multi-lane) once they get there. I think it’s all due to oblivious operators, driving from one obstacle to another, and letting ambient conditions and distractions overly affect their vehicle speed.
Make a game out of trying to explain others’ erratic driver behavior while you drive. If you do, you’re better able to at least recognize and accommodate those mistakes.
Readers may contact Bill Love via email at precisiondriving@spokesman.com.
