Turn Signal Usage - When we consider the time and energy it takes to operate a turn signal (one second, one fingertip), it seems asinine not to use one. Why wouldn't you want to alert the drivers around you that you're about to careen across three lanes of traffic, or that you're going to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road to make a turn? Signaling allows other vehicles to get ready to react to whatever stupid crazy shit you're about to pull. I break turn signal usage down into three categories: 1) Always signals - Thank you, goody two-shoes, for making the roads a tiny bit safer. I say 'tiny bit' because there are maybe ten people in the city of Tampa (pop. 335,709 in 2010) that fall into this category. 2) Signals inconsistently or late - If you're already making the turn/changing lanes/braking when you signal, it doesn't count, dipshit. The turn signal is supposed to be a PRE-cursor to your action. 3) Never signals - You are lazy, inconsiderate, and probably socially retarded to a certain extent.
Traffic Signal/Sign Behavior - Just to be clear, stop signs are for EVERYONE. This a major issue in my neighborhood of Ybor Heights, which sucks because I ride my bike pretty often. The general consensus seems to be that vehicles with rims over 20" don't have to obey stop signs. I would like to dispel that rumor and reiterate that traffic lights and signs are for EVERYONE, regardless the size of your rims. Personality traits of signal and sign ignorers include selfishness, egomania, obliviousness, and buttheadedness.
Texting/Talking While Driving - PUT THE FUCKING PHONE DOWN AND PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD. That is all I have to say about that.
Interstate Driving Behavior - The interstate is one type of road that tends to bring out the worst in people. Say it with me: "Left lane, fast lane. Right lane, slow lane." With that being said, if you're barreling down the road twenty miles over the speed limit, don't get pissy when you eventually have to slow down, even in the left lane. On the same note, it's best just to go with the flow of traffic. Trying to go 80 when everyone else is going 70 is dumb, and makes you a self-important jerkface. Wherever you're going can't be that important, and if it is, maybe you should have left earlier.
Pedestrians/Cyclists - This one's a two-parter. First, for the pedestrians and cyclists: Ride/walk WITH the traffic, not against it. The objective is for vehicles to be able to see you, silly. Obey traffic signals and use crosswalks. Put lights on your bike, no one can see your wimpy reflector in the dark. And for Pete's sake, don't wear all black at night. Ride/walk defensively. Don't expect cars to see you or yield to you, because a lot of them won't. Second, for the vehicles - Yield, ya jerks! Are you really so inconsiderate that you actually want to hit a person with your car? If you see a bike lane on the side of the road, don't drive your car in it! (This is often caused by inattention, please see my point about texting/talking while driving above.) If there isn't a bike lane, bikes may still ride on the right side of the road, with vehicle traffic. Don't yell at them to "get on the sidewalk, you idiot."
The bottom line here is that if everyone just chilled out a little, paid attention, and was considerate of others, I wouldn't have to flip so many people off in traffic.
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