Saturday, June 30, 2007

TURN IT OFF

Okay so this is something that totally drives me crazy: when people (usually on the freeway) leave their blinker on after they have already switched lanes or merged or whatever. How do you not hear the constant clicking inside your car, reminding you that your blinker is in fact, still on? Then all the other people around you wonder, "are you switching lanes, exiting, merging...or just oblivious?"
So a couple of years ago I figured out how to remedy this little problem. I call it, for lack of a better term-the blinker trick. Steve and I were on our way to Nampa from Oregon one time, and we were driving on I-84 with the beautiful Columbia River right next to us. Then we come upon this jeep who has his blinker on...so I kind of hang back and wait to see what he's going to do...but he just keeps driving. He doesn't switch lanes or get off the freeway or anything.
I knew there had to be a way to get this idiot to realize that his blinker had now been on for a good 5 miles. So I pass him and get over so I'm now in front of him...and then I turn on my blinker. 5...4...3...2...1...his blinker turns off.

He was probably thinking, "what idiots, turn off your-oh (as he realizes that HIS blinker is still on)." It was so awesome. I think it gave me a sense of empowerment, it was great.

Anyway, I just remembered this story yesterday because once again I was on the freeway behind someone who had their blinker on just for fun. So I gave the blinker trick a go and sure enough...worked like a charm. The best is watching from my rear view mirror and seeing their blinker blink for the last time before they turn it off. I just get such satisfaction over it, I don't know why. So...give it a try, it works!

16 comments:

rose said...

ok super emil, now you've got to figure out how to get people to turn their brights off when they are behind you!

Anonymous said...

Pure brilliance Emily. I'll bet it works 90% of the time. I would love to be in the "other" car once, just to hear "turn off your da....oh wait..."

Sharon/Mom/ Grandma said...

loved the post!!
sharon

Chelsea said...

Totally have the same annoyance. How do they not go crazy with the constant clicking in their car? I have thougth about pulling the move you talked about, but never have. Glad to know it works!

Anonymous said...

sis. that trick totally works. i've used it since you've told me about it before.

and i'm totally not a road rager... i'm allll about peaceful driving, and it's such a peaceful way to solve an unnucessary problem!

Danielle said...

I love it. I can totally see that working. I'm excited to try it! I love Jenni's comment. I try to be peaceful...it doesn't really work most of the time.

Carol and Bruce said...

Hey, be careful. You are talking about your Dad here, he does this alllll (as Jenni put it) the time. He doesn't even hear the clicking:) I like Jen's idea, don't let such thing bug ya, one less annoyance for the day.

Oh, that little boy melts my heart away. You are working magic with your photos. I love it!!

AMY AND MIKEY said...

I HATE IT when people do that. It's so annoying- What a great trick! I'm going to try that next time! Ha I just read your mom's comment- I love it.

Emily said...

There is nothing road rage-y about this trick. I don't speed around them, or try to flag them down, which would require me to take my eyes off of the road. I simply remind them with my car, that their car has its blinker on still. Genius...and perfectly safe.

Lindsay Coudron said...

Em you crack me up. So where are you guys going to end up this year? In December? Jonathan's sister is getting married in Rexburg in December so we are trying to make it and it would be incredible to see you!!!!

Our Pratt Pack said...

Thanks for the blinker tip... although we're about to head into cali where they don't use them at all, so I'll have to wait to try it out!

Tara said...

That is just pure genius, Em. Pure freakin genius. I'm totally doing that next time.

Megan and Greg said...

That is hilarious. You are so pretty Emily. And your baby is so beautiful I can hardly bare it. I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!

AMY AND MIKEY said...

Emily- we love that you comment on our blogs!

Ben & Diane said...

Awesome post Emily. I'm so trying that next time. It's usually old people though. I wonder if they would even notice my blinker. Thanks for your comments on our blog. And the pictures on your blog. They're flippin' sweet.
Diane

Ilene said...

Emily- how funny. Dan and I have always said that ID drivers tend to drive with their blinkers on. We are also noticing that Washington and Idaho drivers like to drive in the fast lane going five miles below the speed limit. What is the point of a 70mph speed limit when you are going 65? Oh, it bothers me to no end and you can't even pass on the right because you know that lane is plugged up by another driver only going 65 mph. We call that one the "Utah Block."