With almost 28 years living in the border, and almost 10 being another driver on the road, I have heard my parents and I myself have even complained about the way a lot of people drive, and have also uttered the phrase "In San Diego you can't do that" when it comes to some kind of traffic violation.

Setting aside that authorities can be a little more strict, I opted for retaking this popular idea about "change begins with us" and while I was heading to work this morning, I observed several of our mistakes, that if we avoided them, we could reduce traffic considerably.

1.- Using signal lights.

These lights are not just for show, they are precisely to signal drivers around us, they help us change lanes without slowing up traffic. As well when you see someone turn on their signal lights, it is your responsibility to let them change lanes, not speed up to try and "beat them".

2.- Lanes

Avoid making lanes where there aren't any, streets have a design which is made to be followed and it's precisely to avoid making bottle necks. Use your signal lights and get into the lane you need to switch to on time, this will come in handy in a myriad of ways.

3.- Roundabouts

It is recommended that you use the established lanes and get used to using the appropriate ones, for example, do not turn right when you're in the far left lane, this can cause accidents.

4.- Keep your distance

Has it ever happened to you that you are driving and the car in front of you stops abruptly? Keeping your distance will allow you to make maneuvers in case it is necessary and avoid crashing into the car in front of you.

5.- Traffic lights.

Yellow does not mean speed up. Also even if there is a green light, if you don't think you'll be able to cross the street on time it is better not to advance.

6.- Rain

Raining season is upon us, and with that in mind rain can be a drizzle or it can be a downpour, which is why if there is even just a bit of rain it is recommended that you drive slowly and carefully, underestimating rain can cause a lot of accidents.

7.- Time

A lot of times, when someone is late, they think it is easy to just drive faster to get there on time or make a series of complicated maneuvers which puts everyone at risk. Changing lanes quickly, speeding through stop signs... keep in mind you may not be the only one in a hurry, it's better to take a little bit more time, and create a culture of being punctual to your appointments and schedules, so you can drive calmly and get to you destination on time and unharmed.

8.- Pedestrians

Whether you believe it or not, pedestrians do have preference when it comes to crossing streets, but even with this in mind both sides need to be wary, pedestrians shouldn't just jump in the middle of the street and drivers should pay attention for pedestrians crossing. When there are bridges overhead, pedestrians should use them, as well as boardwalks. For those who live in this city will know, this is something that is a resounding subject when it comes to children coming out of school, as parents we need to set an example and be responsible.

9.- Double Parking

This happens especially in neighborhoods in the city, deciding to stop and talk in the middle of the street while both of your vehicles are blocking traffic, or leaving your car double parked when you need to get out of your vehicle for some reason also affects other drivers, please take safety precautions.

10.- Parking in public places.

If you are one of those people who spend several minutes waiting for a parking spot near to where your are heading, this could also cause a lot of grief for other drivers. If you already saw a space you are heading towards, use your signal lights to let other drivers know, if not, look for a space a little further away, you will probably waste less time by parking far away.

11.- Accidents

When you are driving past or nearby an accident, avoid staying too long just to leer at the accident, this will only make more traffic and you could also be in danger of causing another accident as well.

12.- Use of your horn

Be wise when using this tool, given that it is needed for special occasions or emergencies, honking your horn several times while in traffic will not make cars move faster, shocking I know. Ever been in traffic when crossing the border over to the states and honking begins because of how long the wait is? This does not make anything better, if anything it makes things worse by getting on everyone's nerves, be patient, it's the best way to deal with traffic.

There are probably a lot of situations which will come to mind when reading these points, there are plenty more that can take place as well, but it all boils down to being patient and mindful of your well being as well as that of other drivers, as well as the fact that most of these measures are traffic laws in the city.

What would you add to this list?

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com

Daniel.Aguilar@sandiegored.com