MTA Strike, Day 3

traffic is simply awful, everywhere, all the time (except 5:30am)

yesterday and today, I had to make two trips up and down the 101. absolutely dreadful both ways.

today, I woke up later than usual. no civ pro at 8:30a, so getting on the road late wasn't a problem, but sitting in traffic sucking gas is very problematic.

my '66 mustang is so very thirsty. she sucks up 1/4 tank every day, just driving to and from school.

some tips for LA drivers (because some people just don't get it):

1. zipper rule = when you are trying to merge, the 'zipper rule' applies.

for those of you who are new to the concept, this means ONE in-merging car, then one thru-traveling car, then the next in-merging car, and so on...just like a zipper.

this does NOT mean drive along the shoulder as far as you possibly can and then swerve into the lane cutting off the driver who merged properly 50 feet ago.

seriously folks, you are not going to get there any faster than anyone else. everyone is in the same boat, so don't be a jerk about needing to be three cars ahead.

2. keep a following distance, it makes everyone move faster, really!

there is a common phenomenon that most drivers have to be right on the rear-end of the car in front of them. even when the traffic isn't that bad, people drive in "packs", everyone tailgating everyone else, and going 80 mph! (this is especially true along the hwy 50 corridor between san francisco and the valley).

the problem is that everyone then has to brake at the same time, and it just slows the whole freeway up...everyone braking, accellerating, braking, accelerating...

keeping a 2-3 car length following distance has so many advantages. first, you don't have to ride your brakes. when the car in front brakes, you simply take your foot off the gas and coast. chances are, by the time you catch up to the car in front of you, it has begun to move again.

second, you rarely get cut off. with an adequate following distance, people who really need to get over can do so, and they don't have to slow up the other lane to do it. plus, you are less likely to get caught off guard and rear end the jerk who cut into your lane. rear end accidents make an already miserable situation worse, so just avoid them altogether by spacing yourselves out.

3. try to keep your speed constant, even if crawling.

I'm amazed that there are actually people who do this: they get right onto the rear-end of the car in front, then have to stop. then, when the traffic starts moving again, they sit there for a minute until there is a distance, and then PUNCH IT. then, they slam on the brakes before nearly rear ending the poor guy in front of them. and they keep doing it, over and over again.

it is these idiots who make the freeway a parking lot.

for what its worth, I have seen some people on the freeway who actually get it. these are obviously the long-time resident Angelenos. the problem is that LA attracts new people all the time, and these people arrive with stars in their eyes and absolutely no driving skills.

at least there haven't been any freeway shootings lately...