At Along for the Ride, we hear continuously from drivers who need to vent.

There are millions of irritations out there, from intersections that make no sense, to out-of-whack traffic signals, to drivers who don't know their right from their left.

As you know, we typically use this column to get answers, rather than to air a bunch of complaints. But this week, we're going to let you get some things off your chest. It might make us all feel a little better.



Now, I know there is not too much anyone can do about this, unless there is an officer around the area at rush hour, but I'd like to vent about this, because it is really annoying. At Highway 79, drivers can use the exit lane to either turn off onto 79, or go straight to eventually turn off at T.R. Hughes. That lane turns into an exit only lane.

Some drivers think it's OK to use that lane to get around the traffic on Interstate 70. They drive in this lane as far as they can, then, if there is not a space for them to merge left into the traffic lane, they stop in the lane with their blinker on, thus stopping all traffic wishing to get off at T.R. Hughes.

If I am behind one of these ding-dongs, I lay on my horn and give them a dirty look when passing them. Most times they look at me as if they don't know what my problem is.

— Margaret Williams

Not all drivers agree that it's a bad thing to use empty lanes to get around congestion. In some states, according to drivers from other places, this is acceptable behavior. The social mores are different in the St. Louis area. Note to drivers who do this: It's not considered acceptable here.



Are bikers a pain? Several years ago, I knew a biker who constantly complained about how close drivers came to him while he was biking. He suggested some roads be closed and made available to bikers only. I suggested the road he used to drive to and from work be one of those roads. He was not happy with me. A year or so ago, a trail was opened to bikers. Immediately, bikers began to comment on the trail. Did they praise the trail? No. They complained about walkers and runners using THEIR trail. Dare I complain about bikers using MY street? The answer to the question in sentence No. 1 is a resounding yes.

— Unsigned

The tension between cyclists and motorists is a long-running one. Drivers, keep in mind that it's state law in Missouri and Illinois to share the road. Cyclists have just as much right to be in your traffic lane as you do, even if it does force you to slow down or drive around them. Show them some respect. Cyclists, remember that you're responsible for observing the rules of the road. When in traffic, ride responsibly. If not, you'll only further enrage drivers like this one.



After driving home one night, I decided I had to voice my opinion on the variable speed limits on Interstate 270. When the speed limit says 45 (or anything less than 60), it means one of two things:

1) I can't physically go over 45 mph because I'm at a standstill or going at a snail's pace.

2) No reason at all that I can see because things are wide open.

What a waste of money. I drive 270 both ways every single day, and the variable speed limits have done nothing to improve the ride and, I think, have made things worse.

Thanks for letting me vent.

— Laura Knight

You're welcome. The variable speed limit signs on I-270 aren't very popular. The Missouri Department of Transportation installed 70 of them in 2008 with plans to try them out for two years. The department is collecting data on whether they've improved traffic any, and will be evaluating their effectiveness over the winter. Based on their findings, the signs either stay up or come down after next spring.



I am wondering if anything can be done about those inconsiderate drivers who think it is their privilege to use the right-turn only lane to pass and cut off the rest of us who are in the proper "straight" lanes at an intersection while waiting for the green light. None of us want to sit in the long lines, either, but that is the law. These offenders are usually driving so fast to get past the law abiders that they are out of sight quickly. Please tell me that something can be done if we note the license number.

— J.D.

As annoying as these drivers are, writing down their license numbers and reporting them won't result in any citation.

"Anyone can complain about anything they see out there," said Sgt. Al Nothum, spokesman for the Missouri Highway Patrol. "We have to see the violation take place."

At most, an officer or state trooper might contact the motorist to let him or her know that someone complained, Nothum said.