I don’t recall being advised that Malibu roads were going to “change their stripes,” so to speak. On my way to yoga, I honked at an old lady on Webb Way because she was crowding me out of my lane leading to City Hall. Previously, her lane was left turn only and led to PCH westbound. Now, it goes straight ahead and left. So, “my bad,” as she was correctly following the newly painted arrows. Sorry, whoever you were!
However, for the last 40 years or so, one has become habituated to a straight-shot from the right lane: A head’s up would have been thoughtful … Particularly as more cars are usually turning left than going straight, so cars are backing up into Malibu Road in both directions trying to reach that lane.
Part of the reason for this, and a new reason to have cops directing traffic for all turning lanes in town: Cell phone use has perpetuated a selfish “leave room for rolling” space of up to a car length in front of stopped cars. This is so they can scroll thru their messages and text back without worrying they’ll hit the car in front! Giant SUVs, delivery trucks, all are leaving a lengthy gap in front of their cars, so they can mediate against rear-ending someone ahead! It’s one thing if you’re in a regular lane, but this is most annoying in a turn lane and slows down all ingress and egress into major roads, as the Internet-involved wake up slowly, maybe to a honk, and finally put their foot on the gas.
At least pull up and put it in park if you’re afraid of rolling!
Beate Nilsen