“Eat your vegetables.”
“No like.”
“Put away your toys.”
“No like. Daddy’s turn.”
Garbage trucks that make banging noises.
“Loud. No like.”
My 2-year-old daughter has learned an important lesson in life.
Without reservation, she now tells me what she doesn’t like.
In that vein, here are a few driving habits I “no like.”
I “no like” drivers who send text messages.
Why would anyone fumble around pounding out abbreviated words to send to someone on a device that’s designed to actually allow them to talk to that person? Talking on the phone while driving is dangerous enough, but at least you can use your eyes to watch the road.
Texting requires you to stare intently at a tiny screen. Dumb idea, while moving at speeds of up to 60 mph and only inches away from chewing on someone’s bumper.
To me, this is nearly as dangerous as drunken driving.
Apparently the Legislature also “no likes” texting while driving. On Jan. 1, it will become illegal to send text messages while driving in Washington state.
I “no like” drivers who camp out in the fast lane as much as I “no like” drivers who weave in and out of traffic to get around those campers.
Please, help us all out by doing something as old-fashioned as talking on the phone pass someone slower and then move over to the right and get out of the way.
I also “no like” car-pool lane cheaters. If the rest of us have to slog along in the general purpose lanes, what makes you think it’s OK to use the carpool lane as your own passing lane?
However, if your 2-year-old daughter is in the back seat, feel free to use the car-pool lane. In fact, please use it and get out of my way.
My daughter “no likes” me getting home late.
Lane changeover delayed
Question: Several months ago there was an article in The Herald that addressed the access to I-5 southbound from eastbound 172nd Street NE at Smokey Point.
I believe the article stated within 60 days there would be a free-right turn established for eastbound traffic on 172nd Street to the onramp to southbound I-5. I do believe the article was published more than 60 days ago.
Can you provide an update on the status of this project and any other projects in the works to alleviate the nightmarish traffic congestion in this area?
Richard Birch, Stanwood
Answer: The lane changeover did go well beyond the promised delivery date. I was on site just before the Fourth of July and asked a representative of the developer the same question. I found out that the contractor’s signing and safety preparations were not to the quantity or level that the state Department of Transportation required.
Additional special signing had to be ordered for signing the new lane uses. The new signs arrived and the final work finished last week and the changeover is now complete.
John Tatum, Marysville traffic engineer
Ask us about traffic
Have a question about traffic or street rules around Snohomish and Island counties? We can help find an answer. E-mail Street Smarts at stsmarts@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
