An edited version of this piece was originally published in late October 2007 as a “Letter of the Day” in the Penticton Herald.
This is the original unedited version…
I witnessed an incident on October 26th which sufficiently proves to me that the majority of Penticton drivers are either driving without a licence or are no longer qualified to hold a licence.
While waiting to make a left turn at a traffic signal that usually flashes green but was at the time disabled by a power outage, not one of more than 20 drivers stopped as required by law.
One can spot dozens of infractions perpetrated by ignorant and arrogant drivers in mere minutes, and the number of dangerous situations is on the increase. Here are a few questions I’d like to ask those drivers.
Why do you cut corners and cross the solid line when you’re not making a left-hand turn? Are you drunk at 10am? Do you not care that you force others to take evasive action to prevent head-on collisions? Or are you just stupid?
Did you not see the person waiting at the marked pedestrian crossing, or does the fact that 10 other cars sped by her as well justify your blatant disregard for the law? Would you learn to stop if your elderly parent was mowed down? Or, would getting your butt out of the car to walk a block improve your perspective — not to mention your shape?
Did you ever consider that those turning onto a street with a speed limit of 50km have the right to do so safely without having you careen around the corner at 80 or 90 km to make orphans of their kids? Never mind the fact that your village might also miss its idiot.
As those who would benefit most from considering the questions above were apparently unable to read and understand the driver’s manual and are also unlikely to peruse the news, here are suggestions to help concerned citizens fight the ‘corner cutting’ problem.
Blare your horn whenever you see someone crossing the line in error. The noise complaints from Naramata Road residents alone should spur sufficient action to stop the insanity.
Because the RCMP cannot monitor every roadway 24 hours a day, learn to memorize plate numbers. File reports with the RCMP and be prepared to appear in court. Doing your civic duty to help make this town a safer place in which to live may save your life one day.
Lastly, for the few ‘corner cutters’ who actually can read – widen your turns on outside curves. With luck, one of your kind will be coming the other way.
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