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September 10, 2007, 8:03 pm PDT
Rapid Driver
Quote From: patriots_fanUsing cell phones while driving should be banned in every state! It is becoming an epidemic. In my area, there are so many distracted drivers, that it is the norm, rather than the exception.
I was traveling along a major highway a while back. Heavy traffic: Everyone was doing 70 - 75 mph. I was in the middle lane and came up very rapidly behind someone going very slow. I swerved around just in time not to hit him. As I passed, I looked over to see some idiot guy totally absorbed in some kind of argument on his cell phone. Totally oblivious to traffic! I estimated his speed at about 50 -55 mph. He took everyone's safety into his hands that day! It's a wonder there wasn't a major pile up because of him.
"Hands free" cells are no better. The driver is still distracted. I make it a point never to use (or answer) my cell phone while I'm driving. I find it concerning that you admit that you came up so rapidly on this slow driver: " I swerved around just in time not to hit him" I get angered and discusted by drivers like you on the road all the time, as a observer, not a slow driver though. It is just as careless of you to not have had the ability to recognize you were closing in on this car sooner than the moment you had to "swerve" which in itself is a dangerous thing to do while driving - especially at speeds of 70-75mph!!!!
It is your responsibility as a driver to be conscious of the road ahead you, around you, and to be prepared for the unexpected. What would have happened if you had come up on this guy just as he slammed on his breaks? Did you actually take the time to check the lane that you swerved into? Did it ever occur to you to slow down rather than make a drastic move? This driver could have a mechanical problem, or even a choking child in the car - you never know! It is disturbing how many people drive the way you have described! You need to keep a safe distance rather than speed up to another car's bumper and then sweve once you are within a foot of their bumper!
I personally get very upset when people approach my car this close before they go around - often times when there is no one else in sight and they could have had the other lane to themselves... I don't trust anyone in a "5,000 pound rocket" as Dr. Phil calls it, to get within inches of me and my precious cargo on the road! There is no reason for it!!!!!!! People need to realize that driving irresponsibly is not a joke, whether you are on a cell phone or you just think you are a faster and better driver than everyone else and you want to show them your aggravation and impatience by bullying other drivers - it needs to stop.
And just for the record if you strike another car from behind, no matter the circumstances, you are at fault. So, when you say that man took everyone's safety into his hands that day - you are mistaken. He can legally stop right there and it is your responsibility to not hit him, and one way you do that is by keeping a safe distance. It is frustrating that impatient drivers blame everyone else - just remember that it could be your grandmother in that slow car, or maybe it is a driver that is distracted because they just left a loved one's funeral. Just chill out a little bit and take responsibiity for your own driving - Please!
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