WISH I COULD FLY writes:
I leave home earlier every morning, because of other drivers’ inability to wait for traffic to move.
Short cuts through the Engin garage on Mooirivier Drive, through the Checkers parking lot, or alternatively through the veld to Kwartel Street, means the ‘legal’ queues take three times longer.
I don’t allow those to join the line any more.
I switch on my car lights when it’s rainy or when the light outside is insufficient, but few other drivers understand that rule, because as long as they can see, they are clueless of whether they can be seen.
I’m not perfect, but mostly stop at traffic lights and stop streets, and because it’s habit, I do so even at night.
Also read:
• Stop looking for easy targets on our roads
• ‘Amazing’ drivers are a danger on our roads
What’s surprising is that I have not yet caused an enormous accident by doing so.
Then recently, I was pulled off on a quiet road, on a quiet afternoon, for what I assumed was failure to stop at the three-way stop street – turning left.
I was asked for my licence and then asked the question: why did you not stop?
Although I was surprised, I didn’t argue, was given a fine for what I assumed was R500 because she said so, and went on my way.
Very annoyed at the fact that they were nowhere near the big intersections around schools, etc where lives were being endangered, I didn’t even glance at the fine.
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that it was a R200 fine for not wearing a safety belt – something I am fanatic about since losing my daughter in an accident!
Should I just be grateful that it was a lesser fine?
