By John Lynch
Usually about once or twice a year I like to check in on the driving behaviors of all of us. It lowers my blood pressure and gives me hope that some of our behaviors can change – even a little.
Full disclosure – I own a driving school, have for 25 years, so I may seem a bit over zealous at times. That said, I am not the perfect driver – ask my bride – but I strive to be one daily and to model good behaviors for others.
As my driver’s ed instructor asked us, “Really people, what is your hurry?” And I ask the same question to all of you – what is the rush, especially on our scenic back roads?
In addition, minutes after you leave home, incredibly, many of you are on your phones, setting a very bad example for every child or teen in your car and mirroring it to your fellow drivers. No phone call is that important. If it is, pull over.
Are you setting up your important work day? Shame on you, talk to the kids, enjoy the scenery, listen to music. Breathe.
All the self-help books report – if the worst should happen to you, never was it heard, “I wish I had spent more time at the office or boring Zoom meetings or staring at a text message.”
Our addiction to info and phones is pretty scary and very much profitable for corporate America. Don’t kid yourself.,
Speaking of this wonderful country, I trust this does not infringe on your personal freedoms. It is common sense -- plain and simple. We would all feel horrible if we injured or killed a domestic animal, a jogger or a biker.
I hope it goes without saying I have not mentioned local enforcement, etc. I believe in some blue light presence at times, but it is up to each one of us to take responsibility for our actions, especially in a car that can kill us others.
Tips?
Proceed at slower speeds in parking lots – walking speed.
Drive for all conditions, even in your expensive rollover toy, the SUV. It is still subject to the laws of common sense and physics.
Most important part of the car? The nut behind the wheel.
I am appealing to everyone’s sense of the common good and keeping life up here enjoyable, safe and fun for all.
I also am not di8fferentiating between locals and visitors – there is plenty of aggressive and unsafe actions on all of our shoulders, no matter the color of the plates.
Defensive driving is a key skill and it prescribes all of us, adjusting for everyone else’s actions, as we share the road.
You have seen the signs: Drive like your dog, cat, heifer, grandchild lives here.
John Lynch lives in Moretown.
