Endangering Each Other with Careless Driving

Outline by Rhonda Pulley

      As I drive our highways in my day to day routines, I've had the opportunities to observe  sloppy driving habits. I've seen people speed past me only to stop at the red light, where I come up behind them, stop, and wonder to myself 'what the hurry was all about'. Was it worth risking a ticket to get there first? It gets more ridiculous from here. I take the same exit daily and always see drivers using the shoulder to pass on the right before the road widens into two lanes. I've seen police issuing tickets to drivers at that very spot. This doesn't detour them, they still use the shoulder. If the city wanted that to be a lane, they would have made it that way. Also, driving at night seems to be confusing, to some, as to how dark does it have to be to use headlights. I usually see at least one car without lights in the dark. While we're on the subject of lights, I've seen quite a few vehicles not in top operating order, that is, headlights, taillights, and turn signal that don't work. Some drivers turn signals work overtime. I've slowed down to let someone over who was signaling to change lanes, I thought. I gave my horn a toot, thinking he didn't see that I'd made room. He still didn't move over. About half a mile later he finally switched off that blinking light. How distracted are these people? Then there's the   sloppy driving habit like the left turn that uses part of the oncoming traffics lane or the right turn that uses the shoulder. We should be able to control our vehicles a lot better than we do. But tailgating has to be the worst. People seem to want to drive real close to other cars. I've been a passenger in a vehicle when the driver speeds up over the limit and I said "what are you doing"? The driver exclaimed, "I have to speed up, he's right on me"! Of course I said "No you don't"! Because I don't think we should be pushed to drive against what the law states. We all were taught the correct way to drive in the beginning but somehow have become extremely relaxed and careless with it endangering everyone around us and the vehicles we drive.

      What is Careless Driving

      The definition for careless driving is an offence to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on a road or other public place without due care and attention. This motoring offence actually has very wide definition. The driver does not have to be driving a motor vehicle but any mechanically propelled vehicle and the offence can take place not only on public roads but any other place to which the public has access (Traffic Lawyers 4U). So I understand the definition to be saying, someone could drive a golf cart or scooter in a threatening manner and get a citation if caught. Regardless of how its worded or what the mode of transport, individuals partaking in this behavior are not concerned with the risk they put on the public. 

Let's Define Reckless Driving

     I have always thought careless driving and reckless to be one in the same but it seems there is a difference. Wikipedia says, In United States Law reckless driving is a major moving traffic violation. It is defined as a mental state in which the driver displays a wanton disregard for the rules of the road. It seems that both definitions may apply to the behaviors I've witnessed. It's all just blatant disregard for the law and another human being and or property.

Anger on the Roadways

      When our tempers flare while driving, possibly because of another drivers behavior we sometimes act on our feelings, this is called "Road Rage". According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, road rage is:

                        "An assault with a motor vehicle or other dangerous weapon by the operator

                         or passenger(s) of one motor vehicle on the operator or passenger(s) of an-

                         other motor vehicle caused by an incident that occurred on a roadway."

Many things can contribute to road rage including stress, traffic, tight schedules, anger, and frustration. The results are increased incidents of tailgating, belligerent movements, and acts of violence, including assault and murder(law.freeadvise.com). Another form is "aggressive driving". This is when 2 or more moving violations is likely to endanger other persons or property, or a single intentional violation that requires a defensive reaction of another driver(law. et al).

How All this Effects You

     Wa. DOL records state, as of Sept.2014 the total drivers in Washington is 16,685 that's 15.9% more than in 2013. With our roadway getting increasingly more congested every year couldn't we all take a deep breath and calm ourselves while we drive, until we come up with a way to expand our highways. The bold facts are when a driver injures someone else or possibly kills a person from the way they drive, that individual lives with that for the rest of his/her life. The fines, damages, and or imprisonment could also devastate a person. In conclusion I think, as drivers, we should consider how we treat each other and the consequences if it goes a rye. Peace.