I thought last night's commute was bad, but I was clearly mistaken.

Tonight, it was even worse.

Not only was I stuck behind someone who was flashing hazards, but this car had an added bonus: The right hazard was out. This is a case where less truly is less. You see, not only was this person flashing the hazards, but he or she was completely oblivious to the fact that their right tail light was out. So, it looked like they'd be making their move any minute into the lane on the left. For 10 miles. I kept waiting for such a move. You know when it came? When the car exited the highway, one exit before mine.

Of course, it was a right-lane exit.

And, as I continued on to my exit, I glimpsed over to see another poor, unsuspecting vehicle settle in behind the hazard light-flashing car.

Anyway, I've come up with several things to keep in mind:

Lesson No. 1: Do not drive with your hazards on in the rain. Even if it's pouring. There's no need to alert the person behind you that you're going slowly. We're all going slowly.

Addendum to Lesson No. 1: You may use hazards if you are experiencing a hazardous condition. In that case, get over to the shoulder of the road as quickly as possible and call for help.

Lesson No. 2: Do not use the shoulder of the road as your own personal fast lane. There may be cars sitting there, waiting for assistance. Use the other six available traffic lanes. Yes, you'll have to share with the rest of us, but you're really not that special, so suck it up and join us.

Lesson No. 3: Check your tail lights regularly and change any bulbs that have blown. The person driving behind you will thank you.

Lesson No. 4: If your lights aren't broken, remember to use them. I was stuck behind a heavy-duty truck tonight, driving with no lights on, in the pitch black, pouring rain. Did this truck's lights work? Yes, they did. But only, apparently, on the highway. (I guess putting your lights on while driving city streets is for sissies.)

Well, that concludes today's instruction. Again, I thank you and remind you to drive safely.