The Definition of Yield and Other Rules of the Road

Today  - a pet peeve of mine.

Per the Webster's Dictionary the definition of yield is to surrender, relinquish or give way.



I have been on the roads quite a bit lately and it appears that many drivers do not know the meaning of this word. They seem to think it means to speed up and cut off the person who is already in the traveling lane on the highway.  When taking drivers ed I know that we were told it meant to slow down and enter the highway once the roadway was clear. I have talked to many other people and asked when they took drivers ed if they are taught to yield upon entering the highway. They all have told me yes, but it is not apparent by what we see today.

The other thing that seems to have changed is what the traffic lights represent. I was taught that obviously red means stop and green means go, but the yellow light meant caution and that you should slow down and prepare to stop. We all know the light will turn red very soon once we see the yellow light. It seems now that people have decided the yellow light means to speed up and go as fast as you can to try and beat the red light. And then there are those who not only ignore the yellow but speed through as the light turns red. It is no longer safe to assume you can start to go when your light turns green. We all have had a near miss due to one of those who chose to ignore the rules of the road.



I often wonder why people are in such a hurry - I have to assume it is because they have not allowed enough time to get where they need to be. At some point they will realize it is much safer to prepare for their destination and leave with time to spare. If they continue to travel so fast and ignore the rules of the road there may come a point where they will not reach that destination. Is it really worth that??

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Most Disappointing Halloween Ever

Image
We just experienced our most disappointing Halloween in the 15 years we have been in our home. We received zero trick-or-treaters. Not one moment of joy opening the door to see little ones in costumes as their cute little voices called out "trick-or-treat"! As far back as I can remember Halloween has been a holiday that was fun for children. How could they not enjoy dreaming up a costume and going out to trick or treat for candy. Growing up there were six of us and we spent weeks deciding what we wanted to be and how to come up with the costume. Of course, back then we used what was available in the house to create our vision, and maybe we would get a purchased plastic mask. Then on Halloween night our parents took us out to go from house to house. We would run up to the door, knock, and when it was opened, we would all yell out, "trick or treat!", then watch as the treat was deposited into our bag or bucket. After saying thank you we moved on to the next house and
Read more

We Do Have Some Control

Image
We have all watched the news media sensationalizing the cost of living today. It seems as if they are trying to create havoc and fear. Although the price of the things we purchase have risen, the truth is we do have some control over how it effects our budget. We need to remember that the pandemic played a large role in the exorbitant increases we have seen on everyday items. The shortages that were created during this time allowed companies to charge much higher prices for what little was produced compared to normal manufacturing quantities. Plus, those who were out purchasing more than they needed and hoarding it also contributed to higher prices. If we listen to all the gloom and doom on our evening news, we will believe there is nothing we can do to ease the strain on our daily cost of living. The truth is, we do have some control on how we spend our money and how to save on everyday items. First of all, I am no different than millions of other people. There have been many times in
Read more

These Hands

Image
These hands once young and smooth, now carry the scars of time. Some days I gaze upon them, and wonder whose they are. Once the hands of a child, that loved to play in the mud. Never a thought or worry, as to how these hands looked. As years passed priorities changed, and these hands became important. Lotions, potions and painted nails to show off their natural beauty. Then arrived the child raising years, keeping these hands so busy. Carrying babies, then chasing toddlers, playing and enjoying precious moments. Laundry and cleaning, meals to cook, making a house a home. Ensuring that all within the walls, feel safe, secure and loved. Years of working took their toll, slowly these hands transformed. Once smooth and blemish free, small changes began to appear. Now the senior years have arrived, and time has left a trail. As I think of all these hands have done, I welcome every scar, wrinkle and flaw.
Read more