In the last few months I’ve been chauffeuring a family member to and from work, one day a week. It’s been a real eye opener to say the least.

Granted, I haven’t commuted for a long time because I worked from home for the last 35 years of my working life. And even when I did work elsewhere before that, I often just took the bus because it was a lot easier.

I mean, I drive, obviously. But usually just to get groceries and stuff. So let’s just say I’m not used to this driving-during-rush-hour thing. At all.

It’s been a shock to say the least, and exacerbated by all of the road work going on right now. The four-lanes-down-to-two, or two-lanes-down-to-one, or complete road closures. The stops and long waits for massive dump trucks or noisy tractors to s-l-o-w-l-y pass. And then there’s the Bay Street Bridge which was only open in one direction for a period of time. It has now re-opened, but what a mess THAT was. What could be next?

I’m so grateful I don’t have to drive every day. But there are so many people who do.

I was reading a story in the paper recently which stated that this summer commuting is going to get worse in Victoria. Worse?

Well, apparently the city has gotten behind in resurfacing existing roads, which is supposed to be done every 35 years or so. Never mind the damaged roads that have to be repaired and the infrastructure that has to be replaced. That’s on top of all of the new construction happening right now. EVERYWHERE.

And there are SO many more people on the roads compared to when we first moved here. The population of Greater Victoria has ballooned, especially, it seems, over the last 5 to 10 years. Add to that the fact that we have so many bike lanes now, taking up a lot of road space.

I know, I know. Everyone complains about bike lanes. Personally, I’m grateful for them when I’m cycling. And occasionally annoyed by them when I’m driving. What’s a girl to do??

Actually, I see a lot more people cycling to and from work and/or school now. And they are definitely beating car traffic! No wonder they have those smug looks on their faces…

The biggest shock for me is how people drive these days. Sure, I can understand the frustration with everything that’s going on. But making up rules just for you isn’t how it works.

Just so you know:

1. You can’t use a left-turn lane just to pass the guy in front of you. It doesn’t work that way. I saw a motorcyclist do this twice on the Pat Bay Highway recently.
2. Look up what a double yellow line means. That’s right! No passing. Again.
3. That turn signal on your car? It’s not just there to add a splash of colour to your exterior. It’s to SIGNAL your intentions.
4. Oh, yeah, and on that note, signally AFTER you’ve starting turning doesn’t count. Duh.
5. Last but not least, tailgating isn’t going to make me go any faster. It isn’t. I’m stubborn that way. So back off.

Oh, sure, I can think of at least 139 more stupid driving stunts I’ve seen lately. But I don’t want to come across as one of those “nearly dead”s.

While we’re on the subject of commuting…how about taking the bus? Sure, you might have to leave home earlier and get home a little later. Okay, I can already hear you sputtering your excuses for not busing.

But it has become so convenient in so many ways.

You can pay your fare with your debit card now. And there’s an app that helps you keep track of when the buses are coming and going. How cool is that? Plus, the only person who has to worry about those other idiots on the road is the bus driver. You can chat to the guy next to you. Or watch YouTube videos all the way home. If you must.

As for my once-a-week commute, I’m definitely grateful for the polite and gracious drivers out there. They DO exist. In fact, I think I’m going to work on being more like that myself. As should we all.

Otherwise, we’re literally going to drive each other crazy!

IJ