Behind the Wheel - January 25, 2006
Staying Between the Lines
Are some of us such sloppy drivers that we can't even stay between the lines on the highway? I was driving home from work tonight and met a pickup truck completely onto my side of the double solid line in a set of winding curves. Was the driver not paying attention or was he so intent on not slowing down that he straightened out the corners to avoid braking? I suspect that it was the latter.
One of the first things that we learn when we drive is that we drive on the right half of the road and may only use the other half in limited circumstances. These circumstances are defined by the law and do not include driver convenience as in situations like this one. Our trust that the other drivers will remain where they are supposed to be is central to using the highway safely.
Each year road maintenance includes a fresh coat of paint on the highway lines. If it didn't matter what the lines meant there would only be one type of line, or no line at all. You would be free to judge that you were in your own half of the highway. However, it does matter, and drivers must be aware of what the lines mean and follow the rule.
Lines that you must obey may be on your left and on your right when you are driving, even when there is only one lane for each direction. Believe it or not, that solid white line at the right edge of the roadway defines where you are supposed to drive. Keep to the left of it.
Are you confused? Drop by an ICBC Driver Service Center and pick up a copy of Road Sense for Drivers to review, it's free. You can also find your own electronic copy of the manual at www.icbc.com
Have you ever met anyone who would admit to being less than a better than average driver?
Search Behind the Wheel at http://www.drivesmartbc.ca
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