One of the most important things to remember this coming week and throughout the school year is,
“If you’re gonna be late. You’re gonna be late.”
Most of the K12 schools in the Puget Sound Region start the 2014 - 2015 school year this next week, the first week of September after Labor Day. I have to admit I dread it. Why? Traffic.
Dear citizens, neighbors and students who drive...
Don’t be surprised next week when you see a lot of school buses on the roads. Those quieter summer mornings are over with and getting out of your neighborhoods to get to work is going to take you a little bit longer. Drive careful, there will be a lot of little one’s by the side of the road with a parent, big brother, sister or neighbor walking to the bus stop. Slow down...
There will also be a lot of older kids without escort and if you know kids a few of them will be goofing off and not paying attention to the traffic. High Schooler’s, some of you will catch the bus, but many of you will be driving.
Please remember there is no ‘faster’ way to drive to school without putting yourself and everyone around you in peril.
The area colleges start the 2014 Fall Quarter anywhere from September 2nd through October 1st. Many of you live in the suburbs because you’re at home or because rent is a lot cheaper outside the city. You’ll be driving to town on the freeways during the commute. Please please please be patient. Most of the commuters headed into the city for work know the routine. Cooperation and courtesy will win the day and make it better for everyone.
You will not get to school on time by constantly weaving from lane to lane and trying to pass every single car in front of you. The only thing you will accomplish is slowing the entire commute down and now everyone is going to be late. Seriously, it’s pretty much pick a lane and stay in it. If you haven’t noticed all lanes go faster than the one you’re in, then they don’t.
After decades of commuting I can tell you no matter what lane you are in or how many cars and trucks you pass, we’re all going to get to that exit at about the exact same time, give or take a car or two.
Lastly, make sure you have enough gas. I know you drive a compact car that gets good mileage and your calculations give you pretty good odds you just might make it all the way to school and back, you’re using the wrong math.
You can’t factor gas consumption based on the manufacturers estimated highway mileage. The commute EATS GAS!
Be safe, learn a lot, have fun and don't forget, "If you’re gonna be late, you’re gonna be late."
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