01-27-2017, 09:28 PM
Can someone please tell me where the dividing line is in deciding which traffic laws we must follow and which we can disregard at will? I was always taught that in a civilized society, we all agree to follow a set of norms. If we disagree with the norms, we use legal channels to change the norms. Some think using the shoulder lanes is OK during non-legal hours because it helps the flow of traffic. Ok, so by that same logic, let's all consider red lights as mere suggestions - if there is no traffic from the opposing direction, why you just sail across intersections to improve traffic flow. And while we're at it, when traffic is sparse on 130, forget about those pesky speed limits - go as fast as your car can go. That will improve traffic flow too. Heck, every time I've driven 130 in the post 6:00 pm hours, the Hilo-bound lanes are fairly empty - so if it's clear, feel free to drive on the left side of the road whenever you want - if one illegal lane is good, two would be even better!
I agree that the shoulder lane hours are arbitrary and not expansive enough. We should be beating on our elected officials' doors to get changes enacted. But until we do, we need to obey and enforce the law. When the majority of drivers are following the established procedure, those who choose to drive illegally in the shoulder lane are injecting uncertainty and risk into a defined system that requires the cooperation of all drivers to maximize safety. They're not altruistic heroes willing to get a traffic citation in order to make life better for all of us. They're selfish drivers who think their time is more valuable than everyone elses', egotists who think laws only apply to other people -- who are putting themselves and those around them at risk so that they can potentially arrive home 5 minutes before everyone else.
I agree that the shoulder lane hours are arbitrary and not expansive enough. We should be beating on our elected officials' doors to get changes enacted. But until we do, we need to obey and enforce the law. When the majority of drivers are following the established procedure, those who choose to drive illegally in the shoulder lane are injecting uncertainty and risk into a defined system that requires the cooperation of all drivers to maximize safety. They're not altruistic heroes willing to get a traffic citation in order to make life better for all of us. They're selfish drivers who think their time is more valuable than everyone elses', egotists who think laws only apply to other people -- who are putting themselves and those around them at risk so that they can potentially arrive home 5 minutes before everyone else.