DEAR Editor;
I write in agreement with the letter published in last week’s South Coast Herald ‘Truck drivers need to be more considerate of other motorists‘, written by Disgruntled Driver.
The writer is absolutely correct, but in my opinion, it doesn’t end there.
I’m often appalled at how badly some people on the South Coast drive.
While the photo shows a taxi driver risking his life by overtaking up a hill on a blind rise, it’s not only the often vilified taxi drivers who are to blame.
My father used to say, ‘never assume another motorist is going to do what he or she should, or what you expect them to do’.
At first I thought he was being overly conservative – at the time I was 18 years old and of course knew better!
However, over the years I have seen how true this is.
A friend of mine, now living in Australia, has been known to drive with a bit too much enthusiasm, a guy with lead in his shoe.
His response was ‘it’s actually slow drivers who cause accidents’.
Whether or not this is true I don’t know, but he has a point in as far as drivers going slowly because they are sending a WhatsApp message, or talking on the phone, when they drive are a serious danger.
I can’t believe how many motorists talk on their phone while driving.
The other day I noticed three out of four making the turn through a traffic intersection – one hand on the phone, the other turning the wheel.
Drunk driving is one thing, but driving while distracted has the potential to become a lot more hazardous.
To sum it all up, everyone – trucks, taxis, buses, regular cars – just need to calm it down a bit, drive properly and as safely as possible, for the benefit of all.
It shouldn’t really be too much to ask.
CONCERNED
HAVE YOUR SAY
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