As sophomores and newly 16-year-olds are hitting the road, we are reminded every day why driving is a privilege and luxury. Especially since COVID, everyone on the road seems to be in the biggest hurry ever. What’s the rush? Every year, approximately 42,000 people are killed in motor vehicle crashes (IIHS), and over 5 million injuries (NSC). Drivers have the responsibility to look out for pedestrians and other cars.
The most ignored street signs have to be stop signs. Take the intersection of Upton Road and South Street. There are cars flying from both directions and it’s the driver’s job to stop and look. Many people decide to just slow down and take a quick peek, then calmly drive into a car flying at 40mph straight at them. Everyone needs to slow down. I’ve seen cars get honked at for waiting an extra second to let a car go instead of flying in front of them and potentially getting into a crash. If that one second is so precious, then consider leaving a minute earlier or taking some anger management classes.
The rotary has to be another area where drivers just seem to have their eyes closed. Especially on weekends when people from out of town are driving around, it just clogs up so badly. One personal issue I have with the rotary is when pedestrians are crossing, because a lot of times they don’t do their job and look both ways before they cross and pop out of nowhere.
The intersection joining Church Street, Milk Street, and Fisher Street is also an accident hotspot. In that intersection, it is crucial to let the car pass the intersection before going. Drivers don’t put their blinkers on when maneuvering through the joint, so the blinker seen is not helpful or accurate.
I think that many people are very loose in using their horn, and it has gotten out of hand. The two times a horn should be used are a) when the driver in front isn’t paying attention and needs a little nudge, and b) when a car is about to hit you and you are warning them. In all honesty, it is better for everyone’s safety not to honk straight out of anger because you never know who the driver ahead of you is and what they are capable of, especially considering recent news stories. A prime example is this hatchet wielding man in Boston. Being careful about who you make mad is very important.
As stated earlier, driving is a privilege and the things that can happen if you abuse that power are detrimental. Driving can also mean independence and freedom, and that is a luxury every kid should experience. Please be careful and use common sense as you begin your new journey on the road and remember that you are not in a video game and that seriously bad things can happen if you are not extra careful. The best piece of advice I received when learning to drive was to always expect the cars around you to make mistakes, and be ready for anything. Good luck and be safe!
