Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon…
I was traveling to St. Paul yesterday via I35E . As I approached the I35 split, I realized the driver of the black SUV next to me decided he needed to be in my lane as he obviously had been not paying attention to where he was while busy talking on his cell phone. Without warning, he moved into my lane…the problem was I was occupying the space he wanted to move into.
Twenty-four years of law enforcement experience has taught me at least one thing and that is to recognize a driver who is not attentive. This guy was not paying attention. Given his previous weaving in and out of lanes and speeding, it was no surprise he crossed three lanes of traffic and a median suddenly nearly causing four accidents. I had already anticipated his moves and had slowed so getting out of his way didn’t’ require any emergency maneuvers on my part. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case with a couple other motorists who were also busy talking on their cell phones. Panic stops, swerving, honking horns and near collisions abounded.
The guy cut across a median to continue on 35W rather than 35E. Let’s see, how many signs and how many miles before the split does one have to move safely across multiple lanes of traffic?
The incident reminded me of how oblivious many drivers are to the hazards they cause. I often get calls from motorists who are unhappy with the fact that one of our officers gave them a ticket for a traffic violation. They aren’t complaining about the officer’s behavior or anything having to do with the officer. They just think it isn’t “fair” they got a ticket. There are always the excuses…they were late and should have gotten a break, the traffic lights don’t stay green long enough, the people in front of them were going too slow…stuff like that. Most of them involving being late, in a hurry and stuff like that. Basically things that make people take unnecessary risks like the one I experienced.
Last week, while driving down Division, I watched a vehicle roll through the stop sign at 5th and Division, nearly hitting a pedestrian and nearly striking my vehicle. When I stopped the driver, his explanation for his driving conduct was that he didn’t know I was a cop. He admitted seeing the pedestrian and my vehicle. He was in a hurry. I was not surprised to see a copy of a previously issued ticket sitting on the passenger seat next to him.
The intent of traffic enforcement (that means tickets and warnings), is to prevent accidents. We know that speed is the primary contributor to most accidents. Inattention and risky maneuvers are a close second. The intent of stopping motorists who violate laws is to attempt to change their driving behavior. Those who get enough of those citations ultimately will lose their license.
So, what’s the point to my rather disjointed recap of my driving experiences?
Watch out for the other driver. Drive defensively. Slow down and stay away from distractions. A cell phone is a distraction. Try to avoid initiating a phone conversation while driving and tell anyone who calls you that you will call them back when you can do so safely.
Don’t be the type of driver I’ve described above. Do not assume that everyone else will watch out for you. One of these days, you will meet someone just as aggressive and you will find yourself intimately involved with them when your vehicles collide.
Allow yourself enough time to get to your destination safely. Don’t drive faster than conditions allow. With winter approaching, allow extra time for weather.
We offer a driving refresher class in Northfield. If you would like to attend you can call our office at 507-645-4477. Some insurance companies will give you a discount for taking the 8 hour class. Our community service officer, Kris Wilson teaches the class. Most of those in the class are there because they took the option of attending the class instead of paying for a ticket. We provide this option in the hope that we can provide information that will help them be a more reasonable driver.
Our goal, help everyone get where they need to go safely.