Anal For Indicating
I’m about to do what anyone who knows me well knows I rarely do. Eat humble pie.
May I refer you back to a previous blog entry entitled I Am The Only Sane Driver In LA (Apart From Clare). The gist of its entire rant argued about my great driving skills compared to the rest of LA. What a knob. Alas, it set me up for a deserved fall.
There I was all cocky, playing the arrogant Brit with aplomb. And here I am just eight days later writing about a minor accident I had yesterday. The worse thing being, it was entirely my fault.
Allow me to bore you with the details. In a nutshell, I changed lanes without: a) checking my blind spot, b) indicating and c) checking my rearview mirror. HELLO! It was a minor prang and thank God no-one was hurt. Indeed, the only victim was my pride (which is probably a good thing).
I’ve been berating myself for about 24 hours now. Why didn’t I look over my shoulder? Why didn’t I indicate? Why didn’t I check my mirror??!!?? WHY DID I LEAVE MY BRAIN AT HOME? I always indicate in the UK. But hardly anyone does here and I’m afraid this bad habit has rubbed off on me. I’ve become guilty of not indicating anymore. I guess I just want to fit in. My fellow road users are way too cool to indicate and in hindsight I was beginning to feel a tad anal for indicating. Too uptight. Too British. Relax. It’s an automatic, just accelerate, steer and brake.
When Mum and Dad read this they’ll be worried sick. Rest assured. I’ve learned my lesson. Luckily, it was a wake up call and I’ve got the message. My car got away with a tiny scratch (and it’s only a lease). Plus, the car I gently nudged only has a minor dent that my insurance policy will take care of.
On the subject of car insurance… I was planning to have a moan at some point about how expensive it is here. California has the priciest premiums in the US. Now I know why. In its defence, my company has been amazing. No complaints from me (for a change). A claims rep. contacted me, not the other way round. Incredible. He’ll collate all the quotes, ensuring that the cost of fixing the other car is kept to a minimum. Then it’ll be paid directly. I don’t have to lift a finger… wa-hey.
I have nothing to worry about. That is, until May when my policy is up for renewal. Then it’ll be my time to pay. Gulp!
PS. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone I love. You know who you are. xxxxx
