Lauren+D’s+OpEd+Article

Dear drivers,

A car is a wonderful device. It can get you from point A to B in a shorter time than in the 1800s through burning decaying remnants of organic matter. However, even though it can kill a lot faster than just poisoning the air, drivers take for granted the miracle of their survival. Every time a driver steps into an automobile they are at risk of killing someone, including themselves. The smallest lapse of concentration could cause an enormous pileup of metal and flames, and you will be dead. Forever. End. Done.

You have one job when you are behind the wheel. When you eat, talk on a cell phone, read, or even change clothes while actively participating in a morning commute, you are failing to do your ONE JOB. I’m sure it wasn't that urgent. I’m sure after you got your food, you could have eaten it while the car is stationary if it was really that important to eat. I’m sure whatever you are talking about with your boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife; is not as important as focusing on piloting a speeding bullet. I am positive that whatever you are reading can wait. I’m sure that if you realize that you are “not decent” you can pull over and change in the back.

Please signal, I beg you. There is nothing I see more infrequently than signaling. It has gotten so much easier and lazier than when horses have the right of way. It’s literally a flick of the switch up for right down for left. Please signal.

Please pay attention to where you are. Drifting is so sneaky and hazardous to those who don’t expect, and have no reason to expect you. If you are tired, don’t get in the car. If you think you NEED to drive, plan to sleep. If you feel insulted when I pass you while you are going 20 miles an hour below the speed limit, do not ride my bumper, just because your pride is hurt. By contrast, if you are behind me while I’m going the speed limit, I take no offense if you pass me going 80, but I do insist that speeding will not change the fact that the destination is still in the same place it would be if you were following the law.

Love Lauren