How to Be a Good Driver
Driving has become painfully reminiscent of Blade Runner as the number of cars on the road has surpassed drivers’ abilities to handle either the cars or the roads.
Nothing can be done to prevent population growth. Those who welcome expanding markets see it as healthy. But many who favor growth don’t talk much about the demands it makes on the infrastructure.
Road repair cannot keep up, much less road construction; both create additional hazards for drivers to negotiate. And if you plan to pull over at the sound of a siren, be ready to become a traffic hazard yourself.
Because there are far too many bad drivers on the road, defensive driving is more important than ever. Allowances must be made for tail-gaters and lane-hoppers.
Today an alarming number of drivers don’t know how to interact with their fellow drivers beyond maneuvering through a 4-way stop. They don’t let others out ahead of them in traffic, or pull forward to make space behind.
They don’t know that pedestrians always have the right of way, just as a gun is always loaded. They see bicycle riders as frustrating impediments to a successful life, rather than fellow human beings who have an equal right to the roads.
Drivers must realize that piloting an automobile is serious business. The days of the Sunday drive are gone. Driving is too challenging to be thought of as recreational. It is difficult and dangerous. Impaired judgment due to alcohol and cell phone intoxication make it even more deadly.
I plan to reduce the risks by driving as little as possible--by consolidating trips, and by finding something besides a tour of the bright city lights to treat insomnia.
More importantly, I plan to take a lesson in reverse from the road hogs. Don’t do what they do. Share. Call it common purpose or fellow feeling, an attitude of patience and courtesy is key.
Unfortunately, these virtues probably cannot be taught. Were it so, many of those who espouse the Golden Rule would practice it on the road.
I wish you good luck out there. Be careful. And be kind.
Nothing can be done to prevent population growth. Those who welcome expanding markets see it as healthy. But many who favor growth don’t talk much about the demands it makes on the infrastructure.
Road repair cannot keep up, much less road construction; both create additional hazards for drivers to negotiate. And if you plan to pull over at the sound of a siren, be ready to become a traffic hazard yourself.
Because there are far too many bad drivers on the road, defensive driving is more important than ever. Allowances must be made for tail-gaters and lane-hoppers.
Today an alarming number of drivers don’t know how to interact with their fellow drivers beyond maneuvering through a 4-way stop. They don’t let others out ahead of them in traffic, or pull forward to make space behind.
They don’t know that pedestrians always have the right of way, just as a gun is always loaded. They see bicycle riders as frustrating impediments to a successful life, rather than fellow human beings who have an equal right to the roads.
Drivers must realize that piloting an automobile is serious business. The days of the Sunday drive are gone. Driving is too challenging to be thought of as recreational. It is difficult and dangerous. Impaired judgment due to alcohol and cell phone intoxication make it even more deadly.
I plan to reduce the risks by driving as little as possible--by consolidating trips, and by finding something besides a tour of the bright city lights to treat insomnia.
More importantly, I plan to take a lesson in reverse from the road hogs. Don’t do what they do. Share. Call it common purpose or fellow feeling, an attitude of patience and courtesy is key.
Unfortunately, these virtues probably cannot be taught. Were it so, many of those who espouse the Golden Rule would practice it on the road.
I wish you good luck out there. Be careful. And be kind.
posted by John Marsh at 6:14 PM
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