New York City cabbies drive like maniacs. They flow down the street in a frenzy of squealing tires, revving engines and honking horns.

But there is an order to the chaos – like impassioned music or dancing, if you will.

Flowing in and out of the road’s painted lines, the city’s Yellow Medallion cabs signal to each other with beeps and waves. After a few weeks, you notice patterns emerging from what seems an uncontrolled mess.

Here in Tampa, it’s another story altogether.

In my experience so far, I have yet to encounter a cab that didn’t just cut someone off, pull across several lanes to make a last-minute turn or put it in reverse and drive backward down the road.

That last example was the case last night. Coming home from a friend’s house in Ybor Heights, I was rolling innocently down Tampa Street toward downtown when I saw telltale white lights coming at me.

This cab was unabashedly going in the wrong direction, backward, up the street. Giving him wide berth, I got a peek at the situation while passing, shaking my head.

I guess he’d been hailed and was backing up to pick up a fare. Yes, it was late and I was the only car on the road. That doesn’t make it right.

Think I’m uptight? I hope you’ll forgive. I cannot help it. I simply hate seeing this.

And in fairness, cabs are not the only vehicles I see committing such heinous offenses at the hands of their operators.

Let me just say this: If you miss a turn, spot a friend on the sidewalk or whatever, please don’t shift into reverse. Turn right, then right, then right again and find the spot you passed.

My friend calls it “making a block.” I call it safe and common courtesy.

Senior driver-safety classes

The Hillsborough County AARP offers monthly driver-safety classes designed to help people ages 50 and older learn the effects of aging on driving. No actual driving takes place at these classes, just instruction and discussion.

Teachers offer advice for adjusting driving habits to accommodate changes brought on by aging. Classes meet for two days, a total of eight hours of instruction.

The next South Tampa installment is March 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hyde Park Methodist Church, 500 W. Platt St.

Fee is $10 per person, payable by check made out to AARP. Just bring it with your license to the first day of class.

To register, call 685-3242 by March 24.

For additional information about courses, call 707-6354 or 251-2235.