Wednesday, July 24, 2002
NEBRASKA DRIVING ETIQUETTE
I just read a funny piece from BBC on American Driving Etiquette.
So, I thought I'd do my own "Nebraska Driving Etiquette":
FREEWAY/INTERSTATE DRIVING:
Normal American driving rules apply, with only a couple of exceptions.
1. It is never necessary to use your steering wheel, as the roads are almost completely straight.
2. It is almost never necessary to apply the brakes, except in the event of a flooded roadway or sudden, unbelievably huge flock of enormous birds.
RURAL HIGHWAYS:
This is where the rules are different...
1. Speed Limit signs are merely an attempt at "keeping up appearances" - Nebraskans wouldn't want the rest of the world to think they were uncivilized. The posted limits are 65mph on rural, 2-lane highways, and 75mph on divided highways. However, 95mph or greater is understood to be a more realistic speed.
2. You MUST wave to all oncoming drivers. With both cars travelling 95mph+, you don't have much time, so stay alert. To do this properly, drive with your right hand (only) on top of the steering wheel. When a car approaches, raise your index finger (only) if you do not know the person driving the car. If you recognize the person in the oncoming car, raise all four fingers until the car has passed.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! More important than turn signals or head lights. Failure to wave will mark you as "not from these parts" - which is inviting all sorts of trouble.
3. The horn is never to be used, for any purpose, ever.
(Except, of course, if the Nebraska football team has won a game - but then ALL rules are suspended)
4. Cattle drives have the right of way.
Regardless of the make, model, year, and color of your vehicle - and despite the fact that you're travelling at 95mph - you MUST stop for the cattle to cross the road. The same is true for anyone on horseback.
So, I thought I'd do my own "Nebraska Driving Etiquette":
FREEWAY/INTERSTATE DRIVING:
Normal American driving rules apply, with only a couple of exceptions.
1. It is never necessary to use your steering wheel, as the roads are almost completely straight.
2. It is almost never necessary to apply the brakes, except in the event of a flooded roadway or sudden, unbelievably huge flock of enormous birds.
RURAL HIGHWAYS:
This is where the rules are different...
1. Speed Limit signs are merely an attempt at "keeping up appearances" - Nebraskans wouldn't want the rest of the world to think they were uncivilized. The posted limits are 65mph on rural, 2-lane highways, and 75mph on divided highways. However, 95mph or greater is understood to be a more realistic speed.
2. You MUST wave to all oncoming drivers. With both cars travelling 95mph+, you don't have much time, so stay alert. To do this properly, drive with your right hand (only) on top of the steering wheel. When a car approaches, raise your index finger (only) if you do not know the person driving the car. If you recognize the person in the oncoming car, raise all four fingers until the car has passed.
THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT! More important than turn signals or head lights. Failure to wave will mark you as "not from these parts" - which is inviting all sorts of trouble.
3. The horn is never to be used, for any purpose, ever.
(Except, of course, if the Nebraska football team has won a game - but then ALL rules are suspended)
4. Cattle drives have the right of way.
Regardless of the make, model, year, and color of your vehicle - and despite the fact that you're travelling at 95mph - you MUST stop for the cattle to cross the road. The same is true for anyone on horseback.
