While Driving

     I have a question for you: "What is the MOST IMPORTANT thing about DRIVING a vehicle of any kind?"
     Before we get to what my answer is, let me explain why I'm even writing this little tib-bit in the first place. I not only have to travel the Highways, Expressways, and the Bridges that make up our Interstate system. I also work on them. When you find yourself going through a roadway construction project, you may find me there, if you are traveling in Florida.
     Sometimes I will have to travel 2hrs one way, just to get to my working location. There are many hazards to this occupation that I can overcome. But the one hazard that I have yet to overcome, is the so called driving public. I say, "so called driving public", because there are many that don"t know the answer to the question that I have asked at the beginning, are you one of those people? I see accidents that could be avoided, personal and property damage as well as injuries and unfortunately death! When driving at anytime, pay attention! Read the construction signs, watch for construction personnel and equipment as well as for those drivers that are not paying attention. Those of us that are working on the roadway will THANK YOU! Most of us are just like you, we have families that we would like to come home to. So PLEASE, take your time and pay attention.
OK, with that out of the way, let me get to my rambling.
     RUSH HOUR - Simple, if you don't have to travel during the morning and evening rush hour, then don't. It amazes me that there are folks that work hard all year to take a relaxing vacation and yet ruin it by planning their travel through major cities during rush hour. You can pick a lot of them out with no problem. The vehicles with a lot of stuff piled on top of the vehicle. Some of them can't even see out of the back window from all of the stuff pack in, and whats worse is they'll have more stuff packed in on their return trip home.
     People late for work, man ol'man, what is wrong with you people? You know that you have to get to work at a certain time and yet you can't. If your late once in awhile, well OK. But for those that find themselves late a lot. You need to come up with a solution. It's not anybody else's fault for your poor habits. Let me help you out. Set your alarm clock 15min early, if that don't work, try 30min, if that don't help, then figure it out you are suppose to be an adult, right?
Other people that need to set their alarm clocks early are those of you out there that do not account for make-up time. Now a days that includes women and men. Get up early enough to put your make-up on, eat your breakfast, get dressed, tie your loads down, put fuel in your vehicle, take the kids to school, pick up your car pool, go by the ATM, or any number of things that may have to be done. If you weren't to lazy, there are a lot of things that can be done the night before you have to travel on the roads. Plan ahead!
     Destination - Less say that you have planned your trip to avoid rush hour traffic and are on your way. When you are traveling down our roadway systems, please remember that passing is to the left of other vehicles. It doesn't matter if it's a two lane road, four lane road, six lane road, or a more lane road. If you are a slower than other driver person, stay to the right lanes. This keeps you safer and those who are in a hurry, away from you. It also lets traffic move more efficiently.
     If you like to use your cruise control, that's great for traveling. But if you come to a passing situation, please step on the gas a little to get around the other vehicle. You may be doing the speed limit and not breaking the speed limit law, but if you pull out in front a a faster vehicle to pass, than you just put a slow down on all of those going faster than you.
     I know that when you are nearing your destination, you and/or those riding with you, can get excited about reaching that all important friends house, families house, dinner spot, meeting, beach, or vacation destination. So please drive responsibly.
     Conclusion - There are so many things that I could come up with about driving on the Interstate system that can take your attention away from the task at hand, but we are suppose to be adults so act like one. Don't forget that driving is a privilege not a right! If you know someone who is a police officer, ask them. I think you may be surprised at how silly some of the excuses are, and how nobody wants to claim responsibility for their actions.
     Please stay alert and be responsible.           
     The question was: "What is the MOST IMPORTANT thing about DRIVING a vehicle of any kind?"
     My answer: The actual act of DRIVING!
    

© 2011 Douglas W. Kellum