Dear Driving Colleagues:
Without sounding too rude or judgmental, I would like to share some observations that might make the next four or so months safer for all of us who collectively navigate the winter roadways.
• To the driver of the large black half-ton Ford 150 who honked at me as I slowly made my way across a rather icy intersection last Tuesday morning en route to my doctor’s office: I am sorry I impeded your progress to the next red light, noting you had to slam on your brakes which didn’t stop you from sliding sideways and nearly wiping out another vehicle in your path.
I was relieved not to witness an impact of your truck meeting the rather innocent owner of the sedan, the driver sitting there mindful of certain careless drivers out in the first winter storm of the year.
You must have been on your way to an emergency of some sort to drive so recklessly, endangering the lives of others sharing the streets.
• To the youthful drivers at the intersection of Grace Street and 13th Avenue on this same day. You might have been having a marvellous time spinning your tires and ramming down on the gas pedal, making your truck go sideways as you headed north on 13th.
I am so happy I stayed a bit longer at the stop sign on Grace or your friend in the car behind you might just have broadsided me as he followed your example. Giving the second driver a dirty look did not in the least dampen his enthusiasm.
• I realize public streets belong to the public and therefore I have no control over who parks where. But could I please offer just a bit of common courtesy advice when marking your spot on the street?
It is wonderful that you’re not blocking a drive, but it is most impolite to park so close to the entrance of a residential driveway that the owner finds it almost impossible to manoeuvre a regular-sized vehicle out of the driveway. It makes it doubly annoying when vehicles are parked in such a manner on both sides of the private residential driveway.
About two metres on either side is a wonderfully polite gesture. Have ruler, will measure.
• I have been lucky so far and have not been stuck in any snow drifts. But if that were to happen, I just know residents would quickly come to the rescue and give me a shove in an appropriate manner — just like we did for each other in the “old days.”
My winter tires have been installed, my emergency equipment has been checked and is in my back seat as is a suitcase with extra clothing, some snacks, matches in a sealer and a cellphone charging device. I also have a walking cane with a pointed end for gripping ice-covered walkways, and those studded devices that fit over my boots for extra traction.
I’m prepared, but please friends, don’t let me stay stuck in a drift for too long. I have a deadline to meet and I cannot be late.
• And just one more thing: there are many complaints relating to the city’s snow removal and sanding priorities as winter begins to settle in.
One online complainer had a strange take on just which department is in charge of snow removal and I am here to advise that the mayor will not be out there driving the plows or managing the sand truck.
Give Mayor James Murdock a break. One thing he might do is stop and help push vehicles out of the ruts if he happens to be in the neighbourhood.
Joyce Walter can be reached at [email protected]
