DRIVERS: South rises to the top

We recently completed a trip by automobile of more than 35 days and I had another opportunity to observe and learn the driving habits of citizens of most states. I can therefore state that in my judgment, the driving population of most states rates a "D" for courtesy and compliance with DMV rules and regulations.

Regulations and often roadside signs specify that the left lane is for passing and the right lane of a four-lane highway is for normal driving. Incredibly, drivers from western states in general immediately drive to the passing lane and remain there during their trip, regardless of their speed. Disregard for speed limits is a national problem. Often many drivers are observed going 20 or more mph over the posted speed limit while monitoring police watch.

In general, drivers from southern states are courteous and comply with regulations more than drivers of northern or western states. Some of the more flagrant violators of DMV rules are neighbors in the state of Washington and those of Idaho are near the top of my list. Texas drivers are examples of courteous and Washington, D.C., has some of the better drivers, however they are the most violators of speed limits.

The "D" evaluation is made in spite of the fact that during more than 11,000 miles not a single accident was observed and traffic moved freely in both city and rural areas. However, regulators need to be more aggressive and study the feasibility of a common set of national limits and rules of the road.

AL OLIVER

Coeur d'Alene