My path to work each day is researched and thought out. One landmark I used to work to avoid was schools. The ego of crossing guards was beyond my ability to endure. Buses stopping on four lane, divided highways to pick high school students and stopping traffic both ways while they slowly climbed aboard set me to screaming and pounding on my steering wheel. Since I am now leaving home at 6:00 A.M. that is no longer a consideration.
I am now trying to think my way around the gurus of traffic flow. There are committees of mental elves who believe they can work magic with signals and stop signs. I make a conscious effort to avoid their conscious efforts. I stopped using a freeway route when they put signals on the transition roads. Did you get that? Signals. On the freeway. To expedite traffic. Really. Is it only in California?
I have a route that has two right turns that are branches with no signal. Cool. I try to use intersections that don’t have left turn lights. I had it mapped out pretty well, but the elves have spies. This week I came to a place I turn left and someone had installed a left turn arrow. At 6:10 A.M. this is a real waste of my time. I am trying to figure another route but they have been very efficient in their plot.
There was more. When I finally turned left I quickly came on one of those solar powered signs that tells you how fast you are going and flashes a strong “slow down” message. I must confess I was traveling 38 mph in a 35 mph zone. I slowed down to 35 thus making the children still asleep in their beds at 6:11 A.M. safer. Of course if I were someone who would drive 50 mph on this narrow two lane road I don’t think I would pay much attention to the solar police.
Both of these additions cost money. I live in a state that has a critical lack of funds and cannot balance its budget. In the midst of this they are installing left turn signals and solar traffic cops. I think the money could be better spent on monitors to see how much time the police spend drinking coffee at an accident instead of directing traffic. Maybe they could put timers on clerks at the DMV to see how long they shuffle papers before they say, “May I help you?”
More examples of your tax dollars at work.
homo unius libri
I'm with you on crossing guards There used to be one at the second school from here that would deliberately hold the children on the walk when the coast was clear, but would dive onto the pavement as soon as a line of cars come along. I've watched her do it many a time.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am taxed to pay their salaries. I used to walk to school without crossing guards. Maybe that is why I know how to cross streets safely now.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.