An open letter to drivers of motor vehicles:
Dear Friends:
I don’t wish to sound like I’m giving a lecture that many of you will resent and will cause you to mutter, “Mind Your Own Business, Lady.”
But I feel this is my business, and it is the business of every person who values the lives of children and adults who walk and drive on the streets, avenues and alleys of Moose Jaw.
With school reconvening in just a few days, it is imperative that the driving habits of many motorists be revised so that city streets cease to be the playground of the immature, the daredevils, the individuals whose driving skills should perhaps undergo a refresher course, and the drivers who are impaired for a variety of reasons.
As children return to the classrooms, some of them, in their excitement, will inevitably forget to look both ways before they cross the intersection. Imagine, drivers, how you would feel if you hit and injured one of those children in your haste to make it to the next red light or stop sign. Put yourselves in the shoes of the parents or caregivers of that child. Was getting to your destination so quickly really worth an injury to a child?
Just the other day I noticed two young children standing on the sidewalk, one with arm extended in the sign that indicates a desire to cross the street. The black pickup coming towards me failed to stop for the children. Thankfully they had not stepped off the sidewalk with the expectation that both vehicles heading towards them would stop.
They gave me brilliant smiles and waves as they crossed in front of me. Another vehicle coming from another direction stopped while the children made it to the other side. All was well — no thanks to the dangerous actions of the pilot of the black truck.
Reminder: speed limit is 40 km/h in school zones. Be aware, be vigilant and be safe.
To continue this lecture, let’s turn our attention to other areas. For those who don’t remember — red lights mean stop, as do stop signs.
For those who don’t know, honking an impatient horn at an elderly pedestrian won’t make that person get across the intersection any faster. Nor will shouting swear words, nor offering a one-fingered salute. Someday, my friend, you will be that elderly person with a walker or cane and hopefully a driver will show you proper respect and patience.
Don’t misunderstand, I like flashy cars and trucks as much as the next person but is it really necessary to rev those engines and squeal those tires to show off what your line of credit allows you to drive? Burn out on Main Street might be a punishable offence so beware of flashing lights on vehicles in pursuit.
One final comment to conclude this safety message: the size and power of the horses under the engine does not make up for the lack of cells in the brain matter under the ball cap. Be careful out there and drive safely.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
