The first time I visited Hawaii County, 1993, I was impressed with the aloha of the drivers. I hardly ever heard a horn. Drivers actually pulled to the shoulder and waited for emergency vehicles to pass, even where there was abundant space.
Drivers stopped at stop signs to wait for a safe opportunity to enter, which did not take long because within 30 seconds if there was a long queue, someone would make a break and wave us in.
We saw the same aloha waiting to make a left turn. Have we had an influx of Massachusetts drivers? They are often described in other New England states by a nickname that combines the abbreviation of their state with an anatomical reference that rhymes with coal.
Folks from Massachusetts are notorious for ignoring stop signs, placing the burden on the oncoming highway driver for a screeching tires yield. Twice this week while visiting I had to come to a virtual stop to avoid a left turner right in front of me. It’s less stressful to drive in Tijuana than Boston. If one plans to drive in Massachusetts, there is an unwritten rule. The markings painted on the road mean nothing. Be assured the locals will ignore them, or any regulatory sign on a pole.
Most drivers here still pull over for an ambulance, but now you have to watch the car behind because it might try to pass before turning back in line. Passing over the double yellow line on blind curves has become more common. That, of course, is aggravated by arbitrarily low speed limits, 80-mile commutes and drivers who refuse to yield to faster traffic. Unlike other mountain states, we have no such law. The bumper sticker says, “This ain’t the mainland.” On the other hand, it ain’t Lanai either. A hundred miles one way is not unusual on Hawaii.
Most tailgaters are apparently from California where they justify tailgateing by claiming that if they don’t follow very closely someone will cut in. On our two-lane roads? Following at a safe distance, one arrives two seconds later than the car in front. How much sooner can you arrive by tailgating?
Last time I drove in LA I allowed at least a 2-second interval behind the car in front. Five people did cut in, during an hour of travel, I figured that cost me all of 10 seconds. Running a red light just gets you to the next red light 2 seconds sooner. BTW, if you are fully within the intersection when it turns red you are obligated to finish crossing it.
Rural roads on Hawaii are dark at night, like a cow’s insides. Headlights behind can be especially annoying to fully dark-adapted eyes. Like watching a welding arc. This makes tailgaters especially annoying. We just pull over and let them pass, but I wonder: Does that encourage them? Well, better than having them pass on a blind curve.
Most drivers here are pretty good about signaling before they slow to near zero for turning into a driveway that looks like it was made for donkeys – it probably was — but don’t count on signals.
Some drivers know exactly where that upgraded pig trail is and will brake without warning, turn the wheel then signal in case you wonder why they almost stopped. Others don’t really know where the driveway is so they appear to brake randomly while they mistake every mailbox for the destination landmark. Some road users seem to think they are privileged and expect you to look out for their safety. Unfortunately, you must because they won’t. That’s just the way real life is.
Traffic can get annoying this time of year.
More cars with drivers in unfamiliar places and some with a bit too much holiday cheer. Keep your eyes on the road and your thumbs on the wheel — the text can wait. Skip that one for the road.
Aloha literally is shared breath. It means connectedness. So, drive in a way that shares the aloha of the road. Do what is best for everyone in your area, it seldom costs more than 2 seconds. Embrace the holiday spirit while it lasts. Aloha.
Ken Obenski is a forensic engineer, now safety and freedom advocate in South Kona. He writes a biweekly column for West Hawaii Today. Send feedback to obenskik@gmail.com.