Eleven tips for ending the road slaughter
I would like to share some thoughts on ending the carnage we witness every time masses of people drive upcountry for the long holidays. I hope this list has some useful suggestions.
1. New drivers are given very strict physical and written tests, but aren’t tested on their actual ability to drive. Real driving courses on real roads should be mandatory.
2. Most cars have dark-tinted windows, so that at night their drivers are essentially blind. Not being able to see who is in the car it should be illegal. This would also help stop shameless drivers hiding in their cars.
3. Driving doesn’t require a TV, a phone or a plate or food. Distracted driving must be punished harshly.
4. Tailgating causes accidents. It doesn’t demonstrate how skilled the driver is – just the opposite.
5. If you must stop or your car breaks down, get the vehicle off the road and make sure you have your hazard lights turned on.
6. Just because you put rims and some plastic on your car doesn’t make you a race car driver. You aren’t. You’re just dangerous, and everyone hates you.
7. Police sitting in tents on the roadside creating huge traffic jams with cones does nothing to prevent accidents.
8. Some people drive too slow and some too fast. Go the same speed as everyone else and stay to the left, except to pass.
9. Passing in the oncoming traffic lane isn’t a game of chicken. Again, you are just being dangerous and showing everyone you have no idea what you are doing.
10. Don’t use your car like a weapon to threaten other drivers or pedestrians.
11. Lastly, treat everyone on the road like you would your mother. It’s Buddhist and common sense.
Karl Stamford
