Tuesday, February 9 2010

THE EDITOR: Some time ago the then Commissioner of Police said that police would begin preventing drivers from sitting in the right lane for four and six lane highways since the right lane is an overtaking lane and not a fast lane as some drivers believe.

These drivers sit in the right lane driving well below the speed limit frustrating drivers behind them who cannot overtake. Even if they drive at the speed limit they are simply not supposed to be in that lane unless they are overtaking. It is an overtaking lane.

We also have drivers who drive with park lights particularly at dusk and dawn.

These lights are so named because they are meant for use when a vehicle is left parked. They will not drain the battery unlike the headlights which will do so if they are left on with the engine off.

When the engine is running the current to run lights and other electrical systems comes from the alternator and not the battery. Turning on the headlights does not affect the battery or anything else in the car but will most certainly allow others to see you and thus avoid an accident. The battery is used only to start the car. Once the engine is running you can even remove the battery and the car will not stall. The alternator recharges the battery after the engine starts.

NJURU BEARD

Barataria