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Go figure
Off the Wall
May 22, 2008
Recently, a long time senior citizen and I were
conversing on the telephone when he exclaimed, "Well, it
happened again!" Knowing a little bit about him and some
of the challenges he has had in the past, it wasn't hard to figure
out what had happened.
In less than a month, three people have collided
with his car, jarring him a bit as he sat in the driver's seat.
The first time, a woman quite a bit his senior plowed
into the side of his car leaving a dent. Feeling sorry for the
person, my friend, the nice man that he is, told her "Everything
is all right. Be on your way."
In my opinion, this is one special guy, if you ask
me. His car was noticeably damaged, yet he told her to move on
and not worry about it. I wander how many others would do that.
Then twice in one week, two teens, talking on cell
phones, rear ended him while his car was standing still at a
stop sign. Here again, this Christian told the girls to move
along, but be a little more careful next time.
About three weeks ago, a "Greensburger"
telephoned me. In the course of the conversation, he brought
to my attention the fact that he heard on the news that a 101
year-old woman was still driving, grocery shopping, and doing
most the things she had done in her latter years of life. So
many people commented, "Isn't that great?" That statement
kind of got me wondering a bit.
Are people using their best judgment, in this case
operating motor vehicles?
Let's go back to the incident where the woman drove
her car into the side of my friend's vehicle. I'm sure she didn't
do it on purpose, but she seemed to lack the driving skills she
had once had at an earlier age. In my estimation, especially
after this collision, she should hang up her keys and be grateful
no charges were filed against her.
I just don't get it. Don't drivers of all ages realize
that driving and talking on cell phones don't mix? It may not
be as bad as driving and drinking, but it can't be that far behind.
Twice my friend was stopped at a stop sign, and twice he was
plowed into from motorists approaching behind him. Why? The answer
is simple. One can either concentrate on talking or be alert
to what is happening while motoring, but you can't both 100%.
It happens over and over again.
If people are knowledgeable that accidents happen
as a result of cell phone usage, shouldn't they abstain from
using these communicative devices while driving? Or is it that
they are really dumb to think accidents will never happen to
them because they are careful when they drive?
I wonder if those two girls would have been asked
the question, "Do you talk on your cell phones while drive?"
what the answers would have been. "And are you both careful
drivers?" It goes without saying, both individuals would
definitely have responded, "Definitely!" But they weren't,
were they. Yet, there are people that think just like they do,
day in and day out. Go figure.
And need I repeat the problems the fire policemen
have had here in Latrobe with getting motorists to comply with
their orders to slow down, stop or even concentrate on their
directions. I hear about it repeatedly. It is nothing new. And
until a law is made and enforced concerning the use of these
devices in a school zone, there will be continuous violations
which will affect the safety of youngsters going to and coming
from school.
As for the 101 year-old driving, grocery shopping,
etc., I do not personally know this woman, and I mustn't be judgmental,
Lord forbid, but I have to ask some questions. Does she live
in a rural community, a city or a metropolis such as Latrobe?
If she lives in the wide open spaces, she is much safer than
fighting the traffic in Baltimore, MD. There is not that much
distraction, and if capable should do all right.
I just pray no one gives her a cell phone!
Paul J. Volkmann
May 8, 2008
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