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Avoid the big crash with a little patience

We heard the sirens while on a Saturday evening dog walk. Later that night when I checked my Facebook a friend had posted about a fatal accident at Ladner Trunk Road and Highway 17A.

We heard the sirens while on a Saturday evening dog walk. Later that night when I checked my Facebook a friend had posted about a fatal accident at Ladner Trunk Road and Highway 17A. It was a chilling way to be introduced to the beautiful Olivia Malcolm who lost her life while rummaging through the trunk of a car at the side of the road. 

It felt inevitable because I think we can all agree the roads are getting more dangerous. I feel like I am just an accident away every time I get behind the wheel.  

Was the driver that hit Malcolm drunk, speeding or reaching for their cell phone? Hopefully we will know soon so her family can get some answers. Meanwhile we brace for the next road fatality.

I learned how to drive on my mother’s standard Honda Civic in my 20s, rather late in life compared to most of my friends. It took me years to gain confidence. Sorry to call out one sector of bad drivers, but young ladies and men, please slow down. That “N” on your car is there for a reason. You have passed me in my SUV way too many times, going way too fast. 

 

My husband has been commuting to the city daily from Tsawwassen for the past 30 years and he observes drivers getting more aggressive and impatient. He’s started keeping his hand close to the horn ready to use at a moment’s notice. It’s good defensive driving. Let’s stop being polite and wail on that horn when we see bad driving. Maybe next time people will think twice before being reckless.

The list of driving infractions I witness is ridiculously long -- speeding, cell phone use, impatience, aggressiveness towards flag people, running red lights, turning left on a red, not yielding to pedestrians, weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating and a lack of common courtesy. I have been outraged repeatedly over rude drivers who will not let you merge into their lane even under the most extreme circumstances. 

 

 

 

Driving is a complex task that requires our full attention and 99 per cent of accidents are caused by human errors in perception and comprehension. In no particular order, they include aging and use of medications as we have lots of older drivers in South Delta who require extra patience. Alcohol and drug use are also factors, and you’ve got to wonder what that will look like once marijuana is legalized.

Fatigue is another issue, and given we live near a port and truck drivers are prone to fatigue, I am always cautious around them. Distraction is a big one as cell phones and GPS units take our focus off the road. Emotional states also contribute to accidents, so leave your anger at the side of the road.

Summer is here, so let’s roll down the windows, turn up the tunes, enjoy the ride and drive safely.   

 

 

Ingrid Abbott is a freelance broadcaster and writer who loves a quote from her favourite John Irving book, Last Night in Twisted River: “Just because you’re sober, don’t think you’re a good driver.”