Spring is here and cyclists and drivers are taking to the roadways to enjoy the good weather.  It is also a time for drivers and cyclists to be extra careful when hitting the roads.

            Remember when Driver's Education was taught in high school?

            You sat in a classroom for half a school semester and learned about safe driving, responsibilities, and, most importantly, traffic laws.  You even got to drive the instructor around for a short time so they could observe, comment, and make suggestions about your driving habits and skills (or lack of them).

            How often have you experienced, or done, things on the road that are reckless?

            When you're stopped at a red light you can always tell when the light is about to turn green because the vehicles passing through the intersection speed up before their light turns red.

            It is a violation to enter an intersection when the light turns yellow.  When your light turns green, look both ways before you enter the intersection because that last vehicle trying to beat the red may ruin your day.

            Stop signs mean STOP, not coast through.  Don't coast through stop signs because the driver to the left or right of you might coast through at the same time.  Not a good way to meet.

            "No turn on red" is another goodie.  In most cases (but not all), PennDOT places the sign next to the traffic signal so you can't help but see it.  But that doesn't matter to drivers who are in a hurry or just don't care.  You may think you have plenty of time to get in front of the car coming towards you, but don't forget there is still traffic coming in the other direction, making a turn in front of you.

            Passing in a no-passing zone.  Really, do we even have to address that?  "But there was no traffic coming in the other direction."  Being in a no-passing zone, what if the vehicle you're behind drifts over the center line, never thinking someone would try to pass where it is not allowed?  Worse yet, what if the driver in front of you may be under the influence?  In that case, shame on both of you.

            It can be a dangerous circus on the roads sometimes, especially when you're tired of the clowns.

            So, if you drive unsafely, you may be an annoyance to some, but you are a danger to others.