Consequences for Careless Driving

Have you ever seen how aggressive and short-sighted some people drive? On occasion it is necessary to do so but most of the time these drivers are just bullies behind the wheel. There are a few things that really irk me: When people are talking (or texting) on their cell phone while driving, when drivers cut in front of me at the very last second (even when there are no cars behind me), when people use turning lanes to pass as many cars as they can just to be ahead, and when some folks decide to sit in the center of an intersection knowing full well that they no longer have the green light. In New York City you would be given quite a hefty ticket for that little move.

But maybe what troubles me the most about all these behaviors and then some, is that the folks who do them are putting other people's lives, and the quality of other lives, at risk!




I think that the way we live in this society is unhealthy in many ways but perhaps one of the biggest stresses is that so many people are always in such a rush to get somewhere. Which leads me to the photos. The green car is mine. Its totaled. And the driver of the white car is the reason why. She was in too much of a rush to look both ways before dashing out of a StarBucks in order to make a left-hand turn on a very busy highway. Apparently she was hoping to beat traffic from the on-coming lane before they're light turned green.

I have been struggling to regain strength in my arms, neck, and back. The impact was stronger than anyone originally thought but the damage to the car doesn't look so bad at first glance. These past few weeks have found me in physical therapy and doctor visits and trying to find rides to work. There have been issues with the insurance companies so I am still without a car, even a rented one, until it is all cleared up.

But as aggravating as all these events are I'm so thankful that no one was seriously injured. And although I really, really wish the woman had taken a moment to reconsider her actions, I'm not mad at her. It just makes me sad that some people simply don't think about all the lives put at risk when they decide to do something careless or down-right selfish on the road.

And its sometimes hard to understand why bad things happen even when you do everything right. But, personally, I take comfort in God. I put my life and everything that happens to it in His hands. Not because I'm naive or too lazy to see reality, but because there are things in life that have no explanation and when human reasoning ends... the answers have to lie elsewhere.

As my strength returns I will be posting more frequently. But all of you readers do be careful out there. Leave early so you have time to get where you need to be, make important phone calls once you're vehicle stops, and always wear your seatbelt. :)

There was another stranger involved in the accident. A witness stepped forward, checked on everyone in both cars, and used his cell phone to call 911. He was the only person to stop and help. Many folks slowed to stare at us but no one offered a lending hand except for that man. So... if you ever see an accident, if its safe to do so, please stop and help. Assumptions, such as thinking someone else will call it in or check on the victims, are dangerous. Why? Because every second counts when you're dealing with shock and internal injuries which are not always noticeable on the outside.

Thinking back on that man's kindness made me want to do something for him in return. So I'm planning to get the info of that " Good Samaritan" once the police report comes out and give him a small token of appreciation.

Until next post, drive safely! :)

" All things work together for good to them that love the Lord."

Romans 8:28