If you can’t drive… get out of the road!

I am almost convinced that the only thing worse than winter driving is winter drivers!

Recently, I was driving the stretch of Highway 26 between Meaford and Owen Sound when a set of glaring headlights suddenly appeared out of nowhere in my rear view mirror. Though the roads were bare for the most part and visibility was decent, I found myself feeling just a little uneasy and frustrated in light of the surprise tailgate party happening where my Sebring’s sun don’t shine.

Winter driving on 26 usually consists of occasional snow packed and slushy sections to make those dips and uphill climbs just slightly more challenging than during the warmer months. So as one would expect, aggressive driving is especially treacherous when the roads are glazed with ice and hardened snow.

Despite my concern, I did not let this road bully in his dark blue Charger coerce me into driving faster than the law-abiding speed I was obeying. So as expected, he eventually overtook both my car and the guy ahead when he had his chance. Keeping true to my usual tradition, I sounded my disapproval of his irresponsible driving by letting him have it with my horn. This is a practice I adopted shortly after my daughter was born. It is reserved specifically for motorists who don’t deserve to have driving privileges because they so obviously have no regard for the lives of others. Still, this did not prevent our friend in the Charger from overtaking two more vehicles in an almost double-whammy. Only this time, he chose to do it on a curve with his turn-off destination not even a quarter of a kilometre away. Infuriating.

When I arrived at my daughter’s daycare ten minutes later, I retold the story and vented my anger at the seemingly endless streak of irresponsible and inconsiderate drivers I have encountered as of late. It is the kind of thing you take personal offence to when you have a 19-month-old. My daycare provider, who happens to be related to a retired OPP officer, suggested I get into the habit of noting and reporting license plates whenever this situation occurs. From this point forward, I think I will oblige.

I wish I could say that I have always been a perfectly responsible driver. No doubt, all of us have had that moment or close call on the road where we knew we were at fault and lucky to stay under the radar. Thankfully, we have a great local resource when it comes to reminders on road safety, especially during the winter. Check out OPP Constable Drew Wilder’s website on ‘The Wilder Side of Winter’ at http://www.wilderside.ca. A simple brush-up could make a world of difference.