Man in the Mercedes on Tuesday, Jan 26 on I5South

Just because you drive a Mercedes, doesn't mean that you can do whatever you want. Blinkers are necessary when changing lanes. Cutting people off is not acceptable. Being a jerk in general (though may be genetic, Mr. Mercedes Man) is not an excuse. Get it together.

Moving Road Block

OK, so it's still raining out here in San Diego. Not like spitting rain where your hair gets frizzed. This is torrential downpour with 50MPH gusts of wind. Nothing new to the East Coast, but this is crazy talk out here! We've talked about this before, but with the rain comes even MORE difficult driving. Today, I just have one thing to say (and this goes for driving whether there's rain, sleet, snow, or sun):

If you don't want to let me into your lane BEFORE you, you can at LEAST let me in the lane behind you.

I was trying to change lanes today to move around the slower traffic (uber slow with the weather), and this white Honda sped up so I couldn't get in front of him. OK, fine. I get it. You don't want anyone having what you have. But then, THEN, he just sat there in the lane next to me. With my blinker on and everything. Waiting for...what? No effing clue. But because he refused to move forward, I couldn't get over. I mean, come on, Honda. Get your butt in gear. You can't just sit in the lane next to me for no reason. And while we're at it, you shouldn't be driving a white Honda!

Just saying.

From the Weather Guy

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED TORNADO WARNING NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAN DIEGO CA235 PM PST TUE JAN 19 2010
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN SAN DIEGO HAS ISSUED A* TORNADO WARNING FOR...SOUTH CENTRAL SAN DIEGO COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST CALIFORNIA...THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF...SAN DIEGO...NATIONAL CITY...LEMON GROVE...LA MESA...IMPERIAL BEACH...EL CAJON...CORONADO...CHULA VISTA...* UNTIL 315 PM PST* AT 226 PM PST...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A TORNADO BETWEEN ESCONDIDO AND IMPERIAL BEACH. THE STORMS WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING HAIL TO NEAR 1 INCH IN DIAMETER AND GUSTY WINDS TO NEAR 60MPH. THE STORMS WERE MOVING NORTHEAST AT ABOUT 30 MPH. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...THE SAFEST PLACE TO BE DURING A TORNADO IS IN A BASEMENT. GET UNDER A WORKBENCH OR OTHER PIECE OF STURDY FURNITURE. IF NO BASEMENT IS AVAILABLE...SEEK SHELTER ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IN AN INTERIOR HALLWAY OR ROOM SUCH AS A CLOSET. USE BLANKETS OR PILLOWS TO COVER YOUR BODY AND ALWAYS STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS. IF IN MOBILE HOMES OR VEHICLES...EVACUATE THEM AND GET INSIDE A SUBSTANTIAL SHELTER. IF NO SHELTER IS AVAILABLE...LIE FLAT IN THE NEAREST DITCH OR OTHER LOW SPOT AND COVER YOUR HEAD WITH YOUR HANDS.

Cats and Dogs

It's raining like cats and dogs out here in sunny San Diego. I really have no idea what that phrase means, but for all intents and purposes, it's raining like whoa. We only get about 1-2 weeks worth of rain, which sounds fabulous (and it is, don't get me wrong). However, the lack of rain means a lack in the color green as well as water rationing, tickets for watering your lawn on off days, and judgement for taking showers that last longer than 5 minutes. Coming from a place where it rains almost every week throughout the year (I'm looking at you, Maryland), it's bizarre to now be in a place where we NEVER get enough water.

Of course, with the rain must come a little note about the traffic. That is, after all, what this blog is all about. And, oh boy, do San Diegans need some lessons in rainy driving.

Lesson 1: Don't slam on your breaks. You WILL hydroplane. I had to learn that the hard way when I was 16, but at least I learned that lesson. San Diegans, you too will learn this lesson albeit a bit later in life.

Lesson 2: Don't drive 30MPH on the freeway. Of course, going your usual 80MPH isn't going to be safe either. However, if you don't feel comfortable driving a normal speed while it's raining, STAY OFF THE ROADS.

Lesson 3: Turn on your headlights. This really should go without saying, but there are so many people here who still don't use them. When your windshield wipers go on, so should your lights.

Lesson 4: USE YOUR BLINKER. Really, you should be using this all the time, but it's even more important when it's raining. Slamming on the breaks when you're going 60MPH on a side road without using your headlights nor your blinker will ensure that you get into an accident.

Please remember, San Diegans...it's just water.

Drive safely!

New Year, New Resolutions

Oh the blessings of another new year. I'm usually adverse to resolutions, but this year I'm wondering if maybe a driving-related one is necessary. I'm thinking something along the lines of "Be more patient while commuting" or "Carpool more often." Anyone have any good driving-related resolutions (or general ones that may relate to driving, aka patience)?

Also, I've been focusing a bit more on biking rather than driving, these days. I'm training for a 60-mile bike ride this spring. I'd like to put a formal request for submissions for guest bloggers on here. Please leave a comment on this post if you're interested in writing a guest blog. I'd love to hear how the traffic is, say, in L.A. or Texas :)

Safe travels!