Field St and Vine St, Belfast Maine -- One-way, two-lane? (live, cars)

[CoastalMaineiac]

They are two one-way streets in Belfast. When I took drivers ed about 11 years ago, I was taught by the instructor that, even though there are no pavement markings, they are treated as two lanes. As such, that's how I've always driven them, and it seems the majority of the natives do the same.

Anyone else who has lived in Belfast care to confirm or contradict?

The reason I bring it up is because I see many people making left-hand turns out of the right-hand lane on these streets. I used to figure they were just out-of-towners, but it seems as though it has become epidemic lately. It's even worse on Vine Street, where it forks on the end. People just cut right over at the last second without even a glance to see what might be beside them! Good thing I don't hang out in people's blind spots!

On another topic, does it seem like the people on the road have gotten dumber in the past year? Not just disobedience of traffic laws, but a total disregard both of common courtesy and common sense!

Just today, I was sitting at a red light, waiting to turn right and watching the traffic to my left. There were about six cars coming, all went left (in other words, I could have safely made my turn), but not even one had a blinker on. It seems minor, until you read just how many accidents are caused by people who fail to signal their intentions to other drivers. (New Study Says Failure To Use Turn Signals Is A Leading Cause Of Car Accidents « CBS Philly). Worse than distracted driving!

The other day, I was driving on Route 3, doing 55 miles per hour, and this pickup truck-- on a double, solid line, going up toward the crest of a hill -- decided this was the perfect time to pass. Sure enough, another car was coming up the other side of that hill. Fortunately for him and the pickup truck driver, I slowed down enough so the truck could get back over quickly.

Another guy on that same road and same day decided to pass and linger on the wrong side of the road with another car coming. There must have been a good six car-lengths between him and me before he got back over. The other car had to take the break down lane... I did likewise just in case they hit; I didn't want to be in it.

I could name more and more. Maybe I'm just noticing it more. Or maybe there are just more people on the roads now, so the idiots stand out a bit more.

[Coaster]

I've especially noticed a lack of turn signals or, if they are used, the drivers turn them on at the very last second as they start to turn -- or even while they are turning!

[CoastalMaineiac]

Originally Posted by Coaster

I've especially noticed a lack of turn signals or, if they are used, the drivers turn them on at the very last second as they start to turn -- or even while they are turning!

A signal given after the fact isn't much of a signal at all. I notice, because I always use mine. Even where my maneuver should be obvious (like in a left-turn only lane or a place where my lane ends). I figure the blinking light will at least catch their attention; and I figure I am always better off if the other guy notices me.