Now even though I left UPS with destroyed knees , (thanks James Casey you old coot).I did in fact leave that fine company with some helpful hints on how to stay alive on the roads and highways and yes even the parking lots in and around Atlanta. Part of being "Extensively Trained" as a driver is something known as the Smith System . We called them the 5 Seeing Habits or Safe Driving Habits.Very useful stuff.I even tried to convey them to Adrienne my daughter and Dust's daughter Molly. I am not sure they use them so watch out in Athens and Douglas County.
Okay pay attention because it is important stuff.I am going to interpret in my own way so you won't snooze and drool on your keyboard.I will add one habit to the list.
Andy's addition: Everyone else on the road is an IDIOT. Remember this and trust no one in another vehicle.
1.Aim high in steering.This means look as far as
you can down the road.
You will be amazed at the things you will see and be
prepared for.(Long Range Idiot Detection)
2. Get the Big Picture.This helps when you are entering
parking lots.Look over the whole area. Don't just
blast in there.Know what you are heading into .
(Avoid idiots in confined areas.)
3. Keep your eyes moving.This means do not drive down
the road with blinders on, and that stupid look on your
face . Scan your mirrors every 3-5 seconds.
Idiots can attack from the rear. Scan intersections.
They will pull out in front of you.
4.Leave yourself an out. Yes have an escape route .
Don't follow to closely or pull up on someone too
closely. What if that idiot runs out of gas ?
Then you are stuck . Alas, you become an idiot.
5.Make sure they (idiots) see you.Use your horn .
Don't be rude and blast it , a couple of taps will do.
Use your lights and signals . If you see someone on
a side street trying to enter your path flash your
lights and get their attention .Make eye contact.
Watch out though ; if they have a stupid look on
their face they will pull out anyway.
Now there is one other tip I can remember , it falls under one of these titles not sure which one. Expect the unexpected. This one saved my life a few times.You can be driving along and see some idiot crusing along next to you and you think to yourself ; surely this person is not going to come into my lane. Watch out he is likely to cut right into your quarter panel .
Alright Atlanta quit driving around like idiots . Some parts of the ATL have higher concentrations of idiots than others . You probably don't need me to point them out. People let me tell you they are far reaching .So watch out .
Oh yeah , to the guy in the Lexus with the nice rims and the Henry Co. tag who pulled out of traffic at Hudson Bridge Rd. and passed me on the on ramp and pulled back into traffic farther down (middle finger) you're number one.A**hole. (refer to habit number 3) I saw him coming and gave him a proper signal.
Yes Andy, very useful information! So glad to see that I have been utilizing the Smith System on my daily trek to Marietta Square every day =)
ReplyDelete