Southern Highway Etiquette

I am continually amazed at how thoughtful people are on the busy, crazy roads down here in the south. I grew up with Minnesota Nice, but that doesn't include on the road. Everyone fends for themselves on the road Up North. Yet if you do the Road Dance with confidence, knowing that no one is going to slow down for you, it all works out.

Down South people actually stop to let others make right hand turns in front of them when the traffic is busy. A quick wink of the lights means go ahead. I've even seen both lanes of traffic come to a stop so that a person can make a left hand turn across traffic. This is so thoughtful! Of course, I never think to pause for someone else...I'm from Up North.

There was a time, however, where I just could not let myself make a turn. This was when I was at a lighted intersection waiting to turn left. The light turned green which meant as soon as traffic was clear I could turn. The first oncoming car was going to wait for me to turn before he started to go. It was a nice gesture, but I just couldn't do it. My dad's defensive driving drills just wouldn't let me. After all, if he decided to go once I was already turning, whose fault would the be? It might be hard to prove that this gentleman was coaxing me to go in front of him.

This thoughtfulness of other drivers and a willingness to put aside a few precious moments to help someone else get on the road (or off), is something I appreciate in the south. Maybe tomorrow I'll wait and let someone go in front of me...

Just Follow the Yellow Brick Road...

Just a quick note about roads in the South: Do not assume anything. If you miss your turn, do not assume that you can take the next road that looks like it runs parallel and adjust accordingly. Roads are not mapped out on a grid in the south. I think they just took old ox cart trails that wound around huge trees and other obstructions, and paved them. Eventually the obstructions were removed and we wonder why in the world the roads are so curvy and crazy.

Do not assume that just because you took Kudzu Lane there, Kudzu Lane will bring you back. Because on the way there Kudzu Lane may well have changed names three times and at your destination it might actually be Keziah Rd.

Conifer Street may intersect with Conifer Street. This is where it is really good to have your destination mapped out ahead of time and have the map with you!

Not all roads are two-lane; people actually bicycle on these busy, narrow, winding roads; the road sign may be up there somewhere, but may be unreadable because of vines or tree overgrowth.

If you just follow the yellow brick road without paying close attention, you may not end up where you want to be...or even worse, know how to get home again afterwards. You will do just fine, though, if you googlemap beforehand, keep a map in your vehicle at all times, and pack plenty of snacks. And most of all, don't assume anything.