7 points to ponder on Idaho etiquette
North Idaho is growing rapidly with an influx of residents and businesses from all sectors of the country — particularly California. People are moving here for various reasons, but more than anything, for the quality of life, affordability of housing, and the exquisite beauty of the area.
However, some bring many of the negative attitudes and lifestyles with them. This article will attempt to help them make necessary adjustments, and mesh comfortably with our wonderful area. Here are seven points to consider in that regard:
Slow down. The pace of living here is slower than most of the large metropolitan areas. Speed limit signs mean just that — the upper limit you can drive in a given area. Most residents actually drive slower than the posted speed limit. We know that driving faster than the speed limit will not measurably affect the length of our trip.
Don’t honk your horn unnecessarily. If someone pulls out in front of you, simply let off the accelerator and gently apply the brakes. It’s OK. Nothing happened.
Don’t tailgate. Nothing is as irritating as someone in a hurry riding your bumper, scowling and waving their arms when you are doing the speed limit. I was driving through Fernan — at the prescribed speed limit of 25 mph — when a Jeep Cherokee sped up to my bumper and stayed there. Through my rearview mirror I could see the grimace on his face, and the frustrated body language. My first thought? “From California.” I pulled over so he could pass, and sure enough, his license plate said “California.”
Let traffic merge. In California, many drivers actually speed up to close the gap so one couldn’t merge onto the freeway. We don’t do that here. We actually recognize that traffic is merging, and slow down to accommodate them. What a concept! Graciously allowing someone to go first!
Have patience in checkout lines. We live in a small community. We know the checkers at the local supermarket, and when we check out, sometimes we have a conversation — usually not more than a minute or two. I was in the checkout line at Albertson’s when the person ahead of me was talking to the checker for a couple of minutes. The lady behind me, with an expensive coiffed hairdo, began tapping her feet, looking at her watch, and rolling her eyes. My first thought? “Californian.” Now why do you suppose I thought that? You can probably guess.
Be cordial. It’s not about you. It’s about being gracious and considerate of others.
Pedestrians do not have the right-of-way. Except in crosswalks, pedestrians do NOT have the right-of-way. Don’t expect traffic to stop simply because you are walking in front of them. It’s much easier for you to stop and allow a 4,000-pound vehicle to pass — even in parking lots. Doing so also uses less energy on the part of the vehicle.
We in North Idaho like our traditional values, which include, among others, politeness, self-sufficiency, respect for others, honesty and integrity, hard work, graciousness, and a willingness to help others at the drop of a hat.
We are afraid of nothing. Except one: That the influx of people who are unwilling to adapt to our way of life will forever negatively change our way of life. Idaho has been discovered. We can’t stop the growth. But maybe, just maybe, those newcomers to our paradise will slow down, smell the roses, and immerse themselves into our way of life, preserving the beauty and quality of life that brought most of us here in the first place.
Welcome to North Idaho.
Disclaimer: By the way... I’ve only been in the area for 20 years. I’m from California.
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Bob McAdams is a Coeur d’Alene resident and president of The Downtown Garden District.