You know what frosts my flakes?
Trying to turn left at major intersections.
You know the ones. They have two left-turn lanes specifically designed to move twice as many cars through the intersection.
At least, that is the theory.
Instead, the far-left lane has one lonely car sitting there while the other left-turn lane has 15 cars backed up halfway to the previous intersection.
Why? Did someone put up a sign saying, “Free doughnuts in this lane?”
I can understand using the closest left lane if you’re planning to turn right into a store or onto another street within a block or two.
But that’s not what happens.
Most of these people make the left turn and then continue straight for the next 6 miles. Meanwhile, the far-left lane is left wide open.
So instead of a dozen or more cars getting through the light, only a handful make it.
Everyone else gets to sit through another red light wondering why they or other drivers didn’t use the empty lane.
And when the light finally turns green again, half the line is still staring at their phones.
Folks, those two left-turn lanes aren’t decorative. We should use them!
I am Grandpa Grumpy, and if we could just spread out at intersections, we’d all be happier, less stressed and get where we’re going even faster.
Except the guy on his phone. He’s apparently waiting for a written invitation or the inevitable blare of a horn to propel him forward.