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My Turn: Follow the Ten Commandments for Tahoe drivers

Joe Pistorio

Ive taken the liberty of putting some driving tips for vehicle drivers in our area. Some of these sins of the road are usually associated with tourists, but I feel we can all stand a refresher course for safe and courteous travel in the Tahoe Basin, and beyond. With the publication of the Vaticans Drivers Ten Commandments, I think its a good time to share them. Drive the speed limit. Please maintain the posted speed limit. Driving 5-10 miles under the speed limit is unsafe. Slow drivers are probably the single most irritating aspect of driving here in the summer. Yes, the lake and surroundings are beautiful, but please drive your car. Sometimes we locals are just trying to go about our daily lives. Use your turn signals. Its easy and courteous, and helps us understand why you are suddenly braking in front of us for no apparent reason, unaware of your intentions.Use your mirrors; rearview and side mirrors. The mirror is a miracle of modern man, first patented in 1903. Yes, objects are closer than they appear, but if you use them while pulling out and backing up, you may see me traveling at the speed limit on the road. Hang up and drive. Dont drive while talking on your cell phone, unless you have a hands free device. The signal strength for any carrier is spotty at best anyway, so if you have a good signal, pull over properly and take the call.Share the road. Watch for cyclists and pedestrians in the roadway. Share the road. The roads are not wide and the shoulders are narrow at best, so give riders, runners and walkers a little room. Similar to the Vaticans number 9.When you are making that right turn, complete that right turn. Get as close the right for right turns and drive through your turn. Roads are narrow enough and we dont need your vehicles backside in the middle of the road.Pull over if you are lost. If you are confused or trying to find your way, do everyone behind you a favor. Signal and pull over and let traffic pass. Once traffic passes, then use your turn signals and mirrors to safely get back on the road and find your way. Everyone wins.Dont drive under the influence. Period. The average drunk driver operates a vehicle on average of 400 times before he is arrested. Your number is up.Merge and yield politely please. Wait your turn and communicate with the other drivers.Dont be afraid to apologize. Nobody is perfect. If you make a mistake, apologize with a wave. We are all in the same boat, so to speak. If someone makes a mistake, suppress the urge to signal your displeasure with harsh words or gestures. Smile, youre at Lake Tahoe. Youre here. You win.Drivers’ Ten CommandmentsAs listed by the Vaticans document, are:1. You shall not kill.2. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.3. Courtesy, uprightness and prudence will help you deal with unforeseen events.4. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.5. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.6. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.7. Support the families of accident victims.8. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.9. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.10. Feel responsible toward others. Joe Pistorio is a Homewood resident.


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