With the slippery rainy season upon us, and the even more slippery, winter season just ahead, I've found myself watching the driving habits of others in the community and cringing.
As I've stated before, I'm originally a Montrealer, where we are taught to simultaneously drive defensively, curse like a sailor and flip a rigid digit out the window. Out east the winters are usually pretty brutal, so we also learn severe winter driving habits at pretty much an early age. Most have to pass some sort of young drivers' course before being able to even take the driving exam to get a license. I guess I'd consider most Montrealers pretty good drivers.
But, every time I drive the Sea to Sky Highway, I am left wondering if anyone has to actually learn the rules of the road in this province before they are handed the right to operate a motor vehicle. People routinely pass on the right side of the road, or drive slow in the left (passing) lane, don't use their flashers when turning, always have their brights on (when driving behind you at night) or pull out in front of you at intersections.
The thing that bothers me the most is the yahoos who blast their cars past people waiting at the lights on the highway by the Wendy's/Tim Horton's. That right lane isn't a passing lane, y'know? It isn't there so you can get a measly two cars ahead of everyone else - and force everyone to brake behind you when you squeeze back into the proper lane. I get a warm and fuzzy feeling inside every time I see an unmarked RCMP car catch someone pulling that little trick.
This week there were two fatalities on the highway in the same evening. Anyone who lives in the area knows that they won't be the last fatalities on that road this season. But, it is like I have always said to tourists and friends back east, it isn't the road that is the problem, but the people who drive it.
Give some space between you and the car ahead of you. Think about what you are doing on the road. Use your flashers. Be courteous. Don't be in such a hurry.
I actually timed myself once - driving 90 km/h and driving 120 km/h (don't try this yourself), and I found that no matter my speed, I arrived at my destination with only a five minute difference.
Believe me, I would rather never have to put another road fatality story in The Chief again. I certainly don't want to put one in with your name, or that of your children. Do you? Drive safe, please.
