THE CARPOOL LANE

Hey there sagacious reader.  Here, in my part of the world, we have what are called Carpool lanes.  The purpose of these lanes is to alleviate traffic on our overcrowded freeways especially during 'rush hour'.  The problem being that here in Southern California 'rush hour' usually runs from around 6 in the morning until 7:30 or so at night. Be that as it may, the basic idea behind these lanes is a good one, encouraging people to take just one car instead of two or possibly three, thus reducing traffic as well as air pollution. 

So if you don't mind sharing a ride with other folks, you are rewarded with your own lane.  This allows you the pleasure of speeding by the other cars, those 'solo' drivers who are stuck crawling along at a snails pace; and the satisfaction of knowing that you are in some small way helping the world and getting to wherever you are going faster.  What a great idea, right?

For the most part, these lanes have intervals where you can "legally" enter or exit the lane as needed. These intervals consist of the 'dotted lines' that you would find on any road.  When entering or exiting is prohibited, double yellow lines will let the driver know this in no uncertain terms.  Always assuming, of course, that the driver is not an idiot.

I recently got back from a camping trip (yikes!) with my family in which we traveled through most of L.A. using the carpool lane.  I will admit, I didn't feel right about that even though there were four of us in the car.  We were going to the same place, yes; but we wouldn't have driven two cars to get there. No way, no how, wasn't going to happen.  So to me that was kind of cheating. But since we were following the 'letter' of the law (if not the intent), I was overruled.  That is an argument I have yet to win.

At one point, somewhere in L.A. (to me, everything north of Orange County and south of Magic Mountain is L.A.) an older model Toyota zipped into the Carpool lane in front of us.  Can't say as I blame the driver; her lane was at a dead stop.  But still, she was alone and was not supposed to have access to the Carpool lane.  I felt slightly miffed.  I think I wanted to take the guilt I felt for traveling in that lane and put it on someone who deserved it more. How adult of me, right?  However, she did enter illegally (across double yellow lines) which is a no-no; and she was alone which was an even bigger no-no.  I guess she really didn't want to wait.  Must of been in a big hurry cuz by doing what she did, she was looking at the possibility of a moving violation as well as a hefty fine.  Minimum fine for driving solo in the Carpool lane here in California will cost ya $481.00.  Think about that!  (Crazy lady) 

Anyway, a mile or so further on I noticed (as did she) a Highway Patrol car stopped in the center divide right next to our lane.  So close I could have reached out and touched him.  (Well maybe not that close.) The officer had just finished up with something and was moving toward his car.  I was kind of hoping that he would look up and see the lady (riding solo) in front of us and go get her (sorry, ma'am) and thus justice would be served.  But no. (damn) 

Just at the very moment we passed in our 4-Runner, he glanced up from his clipboard and stared right at us. Thankfully we were obeying all traffic laws. But one second earlier and "she" would have been the object of his scrutiny. Timing, apparently, is everything. 

I glanced back as we passed him then looked forward to see the lady in the Toyota swerve quickly out of the Carpool lane and back into regular traffic, once again crossing double yellow lines.  And seeing how traffic in that lane was barely moving, it's a miracle she made it over without hitting anyone. Wow, such balls!  As we passed her, I noticed her head cranked around at an uncomfortable angle staring back.  I'm sure she was trying to see if the cop had spotted her less-than-legal moves.  I think that if we hadn't been where we were (stupid SUV), he would have seen her.  But our (huge) car blocked his view. (Again, damn) Petulant of me, I know; but there it is.  I just hate it when people get away with that kind of crap.  Unless, of course, it's me  :-)

That was the last I saw of the lady in the Toyota. I'm sure she made it safely to her destination and I would be willing to bet that she drove the rest of the way sans the use of the Carpool lane.  To her I say, You are one lucky lady. In future, when alone, stay out of the Carpool lane.     I mean, really, the sign couldn't be any more clear.

And to all those other 'solo' drivers who dip in and out of the Carpool lane, in willful disregard of the law; and to those who impatiently zip in and out, illegally crossing double yellow lines in their hurry to get ahead of everyone else, I say BITE ME!