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Rules of the Road
Blatherings From The Editor Rules, they’re everywhere; and it’s a good thing, too. What would we do without the basic rule of “Drive to the Right”? If everyone got to choose which side of the road they wanted to drive on, bumper cars would seem a bit tame. Drive in a third world country where drivers consider center lines as a suggestion and you’ll know what I mean. Speed rules are everywhere. But did you know that the color of the numbers in a speed limit sign makes a difference? White numbers and its “The Limit”; orange or yellow numbers and it denotes a “suggested” limit. I know what to expect when I get a ticket for exceeding the posted speed limit; not sure what the punishment is for exceeding the “suggested” speed limit. I suggest…nothing. Some of the other “Rules of the Road” are just smart things to do. When it rains and the oils and gunk are coming up, turning the surface slimy, it’s a good rule to slow down. Plan way ahead, use your brakes with caution, and be smooth, very smooth. A common sense rule that many automobile and truck drivers need to heed. When riding in downtown traffic with cars and trucks coming and going in every direction - darting right and left, intersections galore - it’s a good rule to ride with the idea that no one sees you. Some really don’t, no matter your auxiliary lights are ablaze. A cell phone call is more important than you. I’ve got several rules about my motorcycle and equipment, too. At the top of the list is, “Check your oil and tire pressures, and give your motorcycle a good once over before every ride.” A common sense rule that many don’t take the time to perform. A couple of minutes before every ride are not much considering the possible calamity of riding off on defective equipment. And…I always wear my helmet; I never leave home without it! Here’s an interesting rule, “Never ride faster than your Angel can fly.” When I was young (and so was my Angel), we really zoomed along. Seems my Angel is getting a bit long in the tooth now and I’ve had to slow down so I don’t leave him behind. Good rule. There is the saying, “Rules were made to be broken.” I admit there are some I do bend a bit. There is one though I never bend or tweak – Rule Number One: Keep Wanda Happy! Deryle and Wanda, riding by the rules.
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