Upset Texas driver (oil, car, gas)

[PanTerra]

Originally Posted by actonbell

Oh, I sat there last Sunday. That didn't go very well. He went around me and since there was only the one car to wait on, he was clear for take off. He never got it he never understand I suspect in the future he will never get it, no matter what I or any one else tries.

Maybe he'll start trying to get there at a different time.

[Ellis Bell]

Originally Posted by PanTerra

Maybe he'll start trying to get there at a different time.

No, that will probably be a me thing to do. If you look at the intersection I can go up to the light, even though it looks dumb for me, I can wait on the light and turn right. However, depending on the light situation, I may run into him.

I have to go in a minute, as today starts my weekend work. I don't have WhiteOak and Gladewater today though. Just Friday, Saturday and Sunday...first time in a year, I have dreaded my work.

Anyone @ 4th street Walmart come by and say hi, to the chip lady.

ps: from your research I am going to see if I can take a different route. thank you again so much.

[EmergencyOps]

Originally Posted by PanTerra

You just wait until both lanes are clear enough to merge, as you do NOT have your own protected lane. Pulling out on that road with traffic on the (not so) far left lane is way too risky, even for me. That guy is just a nut. People are changing lanes at any moment while talking on their phone, too unpredicatable. Maybe he will go a different route to avoid you if he keeps coming up behind you and has to wait. You are doing right.

Agreed. At this type of intersection, I often wait until both lanes are clear. Some people change lanes in the intersection (which is legal, surprisingly), so the right lane may be clear one second and not clear a second later.

[shoe01]

Lift your arms up.

[Ellis Bell]

Originally Posted by EmergencyOps

Agreed. At this type of intersection, I often wait until both lanes are clear. Some people change lanes in the intersection (which is legal, surprisingly), so the right lane may be clear one second and not clear a second later.

Luckily I won't have to worry about this any more. Just one block up is Gilmer Rd, which I can take to hwy 80. I will be at that intersection, but west bound 80 at the light.

I'd need to verify this but...I understand it to be illegal to change lanes within 100 ft before or after an intersection. Could be that is just at railroad crossings though. They're solid white striped, so could be that is what I'm thinking of...

I will no longer be worrying about my backseat driver and for that I am thankful.

[PanTerra]

Originally Posted by actonbell

Luckily I won't have to worry about this any more. Just one block up is Gilmer Rd, which I can take to hwy 80. I will be at that intersection, but west bound 80 at the light.

I'd need to verify this but...I understand it to be illegal to change lanes within 100 ft before or after an intersection. Could be that is just at railroad crossings though. They're solid white striped, so could be that is what I'm thinking of...

I will no longer be worrying about my backseat driver and for that I am thankful.

There is no law restricting lane changes in intersections. Here is a handy website for these kind of questions.

Welcome to TexasHighwayMan.com

on that site is this:

The Texas Highway Man Pages - Texas Traffic Laws (and good driving habits)

Changing lanes in an intersection

I'm not sure where this rumor started, but I have gotten several inquiries about the legality of changing lanes in an intersection. In Texas, and in every other state that I could find, it is perfectly legal to change lanes in an intersection, so long as it can be done safely (which is always the case when changing lanes.) There's nothing inherently special about being in an intersection that would preclude someone from changing lanes, and if this were the law, it would be very difficult to ever change lanes along most major streets since there is an intersection every block. Hopefully this will squelch this urban legend once and for all.

Additional information
Several people have written me saying that §545.302 does in fact prohibit changing lanes in an intersection. However, they are incorrectly interpreting the statute. Here is the text of that statute

§ 545.056 - DRIVING TO LEFT OF CENTER OF ROADWAY: LIMITATIONS OTHER THAN PASSING

(a) An operator may not drive to the left side of the roadway if the operator is:
(1) approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing in a municipality;
(2) approaching within 100 feet of an intersection or railroad grade crossing outside a municipality and the intersection or crossing is shown by a sign or marking in accordance with Section 545.055;
(3) approaching within 100 feet of a bridge, viaduct, or tunnel; or 4) awaiting access to a ferry operated by the Texas Transportation Commission.

Notice that the statute specifically says "an operator may not drive to the left side of the roadway". This is different than the changing lanes discussed above. "Changing lanes" is when there are two or more lanes for the direction you are traveling and you wish to change between those lanes. "Driving to the left side of the roadway" is just that-- going across the yellow line down the middle of the roadway and crossing into oncoming traffic. As you can see by the statute, doing this is illegal within 100 feet of the approach of an intersection. My guess is many people misconstrue or misremember this rule to mean you can't change lanes at an intersection. However, the two are completely separate things and there is no restriction on changing lanes.
That said, you should avoid changing lanes while approaching or within major intersections. People waiting at the intersection may decide to make a turn onto your roadway based on which lane you're in. For instance, if you're in the left lane, someone may use that as an opportunity to turn into the righthand lane. If you suddenly change into that lane after they've committed themselves to making that turn, then you're creating a dangerous situation for both yourself and the other driver.

[Ellis Bell]

What is the significance of the solid white stripe placed at some intersections and railroad crossings?

[PanTerra]

Originally Posted by actonbell

What is the significance of the solid white stripe placed at some intersections and railroad crossings?

That is the line where you stop your car. It is only on your side of the intersection as you approach the light. That gives room for the cross walk, as well.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&sour...01373&t=k&z=20

[EmergencyOps]

Originally Posted by actonbell

What is the significance of the solid white stripe placed at some intersections and railroad crossings?

I believe you are referring to the single solid stripe that runs between the lanes. If that is the case, read below, from the TexasHighwayMan site (yes, I love that site, too PanTerra):

SINGLE SOLID WHITE LINE: This is used to channelize traffic and indicates that changing lanes is discouraged, although not specifically prohibited. You can cross it if you have to, but you should avoid it if possible. Even a thick single white line can be crossed if necessary; however, they are really discouraging you from crossing, so you might think twice about it. A single white line is also used simply to mark the right edge of the roadway.

[Ellis Bell]

Originally Posted by EmergencyOps

I believe you are referring to the single solid stripe that runs between the lanes. If that is the case, read below, from the TexasHighwayMan site (yes, I love that site, too PanTerra):

I got a ticket for an illegal lane change, solid white stripe, hwy four lane road. It was dark and I didn't see the stripe. He didn't want to hear about it.

It was either the four lane was ending, into two, or the other way around. No I was not passing anyone, there were no other cars on the road that night. Just me and the local law enforcement officer.

So..dunno.