Drive like it is your life on the line
Published April 30, 2010
In the past I have written articles on some of our drivers and their unfailing ability to drive in a manner not conducive to road safety. I know we hear safe driving messages from all points and we all hear the horror stories that happen on our highways nearly every day. I also suspect that people who drive on the roads like there is no tomorrow have never even read these types of messages.
I received an e-mail from a resident a short while ago and when I read it, it made me angry that a person could act so stupid on the road. At times I ask myself why I bother to write about road safety but when I read the e-mail I told myself that I must write on this topic once again, in the hope that I can make a small difference. Here is the e-mail I received:
Unfortunately there is always one person that has to show a bad driving example in front of children. At xxxxxx School one mother in particular seems to not understand that children are observers. When she comes to school everyday to pick up her son, she drives fast, aggressively and parks wherever she feels fit. Mostly she parks on the corner at an angle in front of the yield sign. I guess she forgot the fact that it is unlawful to park in that fashion, as other parents just look in amazement. She also feels the need at times to give other drivers the “finger” with her son in the passenger seat.
Two thoughts come to my mind. First, why is this mother acting like that and second, is she raising another driver who will give the “finger” to everyone? I know that most residents operate their vehicle in a prudent and cautious manner. There are though, too many drivers on the roads that drive like idiots. Only today I saw a person driving along Sherwood Drive at 60 km/h steering with his knees and texting. What is so important that you would risk serious injury or death to text a message to someone?
I do grant that there are some times, though extremely rare, when you have to break traffic laws owing to a medical emergency or some crisis and I think people understand that. Otherwise, what is so important that you have to weave in and out of traffic in a dangerous fashion cutting off other drivers only to get to your destination five seconds earlier than you would have arrived by driving safely?
Just recently there was an article in the paper regarding the societal costs of collisions in the Capital Region. The cost in 2007 was more than $900 million. How long can we bear this burden as a society? Hazardous driving patterns are creating havoc on our roads. If you see an irresponsible driver report it to the RCMP, they will follow up. To those who drive safe, thank you. To those who do not, smarten up and be a responsible citizen.
Peter Wlodarczak
Councillor, Ward 4
780-464-8146
wlodarczak@strathcona.ab.ca.
Last updated: Thursday, April 29, 2010
Page ID: 5573