I was both terrified and baffled on Wednesday night (July 28th) as I drove home from an evening of golf. A storm earlier in the day had knocked out power on the east side of town which meant the stoplights at all intersections were not working. As I approached the first intersection, which is normally quite busy, I saw no police presence to direct traffic. Therefore, as is the usual procedure and I'm quite certain the law, I proceeded to treat the intersection and the next six I came to as four-way stops. 
It became painfully obvious and at the same time horrifying that many people don't have a clue what they're supposed to do in this situation. The majority of drivers weren't following this procedure and were just flying past me in both directions. I was nearly hit from behind three times and almost broadsided twice. If we made it through the entire outage without an accident in town, I'd be amazed. Actually, I probably wouldn't be surprised since most of us are used to dealing with these same bad drivers every other day and always have our heads on a swivel. I've known for quite some time that the area is filled with some of the absolute worst drivers around. They either don't know the proper procedures when behind the wheel or just choose to disregard them. But this was reckless and dangerous behaviour and not a single member of our local OPP force was in sight to control the intersections or even ticket the offenders. At least if they're given a ticket and fined, they might learn something for next time...but I doubt it. Every day I pull out of my driveway I feel like I'm putting my life at risk having to share the road with these impatient, law-breaking and clueless drivers. They'd be wise to pick up the latest edition of the drivers handbook and brush up on the rules of the road. Of course that would take time and obviously they're in too much of a hurry to get some place despite the number of lives they put in peril on the way.(Also submitted to the local newspaper as a Letter to the Editor)
It might be free of charge to call 911 on your cell phone but don't get caught doing it while your car is in motion, or you could be the one facing charges.Ever since the first cell phone was used by motorists in Ontario the controversy and debate over their use has been a hot topic. Does talking on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle make you a worse driver and a hazard on the roads? I can't believe I'm going to say this but "yes it does".Now let me explain that. I have been a regular user of my cell phone while driving since I first bought a cell phone some 12 + years ago. I have not had an accident. I have not caused an accident and I have not come close to being in an accident.
Maybe I've just been lucky but I honestly think what I stated in my blog post of March 10, 2007 still rings true today. People who are good drivers can operate a motor vehicle and converse on a cell phone at the same time. A bad driver is just made that much worse when they're talking on the phone or doing something other than paying attention to the road.In case you hadn't heard, the Liberal government at Queen's Park will be introducing a long sought bill to ban not only cell phone use behind the wheel in Ontario, but all electronic distractions in your car.The bill will be introduced at 1:45pm next Tuesday (Oct. 28/08).It's not clear yet exactly what will be in the legislation, expected to be brought out for first reading by Transport Minister Jim Bradley, but there are reports it will prohibit all use of phones, BlackBerrys and GPS devices by drivers in this province, with the possible exception of hand's-free devices.It appears the law will only apply to those behind the wheel and not passengers in the front or back seat.If this becomes a law I will comply...but the Liberals (who I voted for last election) will not get another vote from me ever. Are they going to pay for the new $140 earpiece so I can still use my phone? I highly doubt it. That's right though, you'll still be able to talk on the phone...just not with the phone in your hand up to your ear. You'll be able to use one of those goofy looking in your ear dohickey's.Don't get me wrong. I think it's a smart idea for drivers to not talk on the phone while driving but why should I be penalized for no reason. I haven't had a problem driving and talking. In fact, I've come closer to getting into a fender bender by trying to change the radio.
If it's a matter of pubic safety, then I'm all for it but why stop at cell phones and other hand held electronics. Lets stop all stupidity behind the wheel. Make the law cover drivers eating food or drinking beverages. How about women checking their make-up or applying lipstick. Why not ban talking to any of the passengers in the vehicle. That can be a distraction as well.I am sick of the government meddling in my life and telling me what I can and can't do. It may be a good idea but this penalizes me when I haven't done anything wrong. My MPP has done nothing for me and while I like Lou Rinaldi as a person, I can no longer support him or his party of choice. I am a Liberal supporter no more!So, while I'm driving my way to the electronics store to by a new hands-free Jawbone, I think I'll call Lou to tell him what I think of his boss Dalton.
It became painfully obvious and at the same time horrifying that many people don't have a clue what they're supposed to do in this situation. The majority of drivers weren't following this procedure and were just flying past me in both directions. I was nearly hit from behind three times and almost broadsided twice. If we made it through the entire outage without an accident in town, I'd be amazed. Actually, I probably wouldn't be surprised since most of us are used to dealing with these same bad drivers every other day and always have our heads on a swivel.
