Is a Life Worth a Few Minutes?

Is a Life Worth a Few Minutes?

Topic Author: Jaime McCutcheon

Posted: 10:41 PM Apr 26, 2008

Replies Posted: 3 comments

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Is a Life Worth a Few Minutes?

I just don't get the way some people drive. Do they not realize the responsibility in their hands or the potentially deadly power behind it? Take for example my drive to work this afternoon. I'm heading down 132nd Street when all of the sudden, this oncoming car passes the cars in front of him in the turning lane. Now if I or the car in front of me or behind me had entered that turning lane to turn, this man would more than likely have slammed head-on into us. Was the traffic in front of him moving so slow that he decided he could chance taking out a car or two just to save a few minutes? I don't get it. I understand the frustration we all sometimes feel behind the wheel, but isn't there a point when common sense kicks in?

Then there are the people who run red lights. And I'm not talking the yellow lights, I'm talking "the light has been red for three or four seconds or more and you still go for it" kind of red light runners. Do you realize how many stories we cover where innocent people are mowed down by someone who just had to blow through that light? How long does a typical red light last, one to two minutes? Are other people's lives worth so little?

Posted by: Brent Location: Southwest , Iowa
We do put our lives on the line every time we ride in a car. There is nothing much we can do about reckless drivers except to report them if we get a chance. We have to drive defensively. This might be a broad statement but we all make mistakes when we are behind the wheel. I have ran stop signs, pull our in front of others, etc., just by not paying attention, momentary lapses. For me nothing serious has every happened, thank God, but it does give me a kick in the pants to keep more focus. I had an older lady run a stop sign and hit me a few years back. She was a very nice person, she just made a mistake. The point is their are habitual reckless drivers and drivers that sometimes make mistakes which have terrible results. A pet peeve I do have is radar detectors. To me the sole purpose of these devices is to break the law and this is what we are teaching our children, it is alright if you don't get caught. I have heard the argument that they are about safety. I can't by that.

Posted by: Terry Location: Omaha
Jaime, I had the same experience a couple of days ago at 52nd and Dodge St. I was at the stop light going south on 52nd st. There were about three cars ahead of me. I had a clear view of the stoplight. My light turned green, and within about 4 seconds two vehicles ran the red light going west bound on Dodge. People could have been killed. Same thing in downtown Omaha today. A young lady in front of me went through the red light I stopped for. Your analysis is so true. What are drivers trying to prove anyway? Traffic police enforcing the laws would be quite helpful, I think. Also bigger fines for these evil drivers.

Posted by: Mary Location: Gretna
Jaime, we all have to look out for the other guy on the road. It is amazingly scarey at times how people drive. The best offense is a strong defense and a vehicle with a 5-star safety rating. I start every drive with a prayer, just in case.