Handle a car like a loaded gun

Published August 18, 2003 - A letter to the editor by Alan Helvig

To the Editor: Something has to be done about our driving habits. We are killing way too many people in this area. I cannot believe the number of people killed in car crashes here each year -- in particular, the number of kids killed in car crashes is absolutely unacceptable.

It seems to me that our biggest problem is not people driving while under the influence. Although we have our fair share of those, including the recent tragedy resulting in two deaths, the majority of our crash-related deaths seem to be caused by people who just aren't paying attention to the road. They are running stop signs, making illegal turns, speeding, etc. Automobiles are not toys or playthings. They are weapons that weigh hundreds of pounds. These weapons are capable of doing serious bodily harm and yes, causing death.

When we sit behind the wheel of one of these weapons, it is like holding a loaded gun. Most people wouldn't walk down the street with a loaded gun, carelessly pointing it at others. Many of us do however, carelessly drive around our streets without paying attention to our surroundings or the road conditions.

When I went through driver's education, I was taught to respect the automobile, the road and the other drivers on the road. I watched movies like "Red Asphalt" and learned all the rules of the road. I was taught to be a responsible and a defensive driver.

During my four years in high school, we only lost two kids to car crashes. Here in the Holland area, we lose more than that annually. Today, we seem to think that as long as we aren't drinking and driving, then we are doing OK. We don't seem to be teaching our children to respect their car the way they would respect a loaded gun. We know of people who are driving, even though they have no business being on the road, and yet we do nothing. Something has to be done and it is up to us as individuals to take appropriate action.

Driving is a privilege and a responsibility, not a right. We all have a responsibility to keep each other from harm and to keep our roads safe. If you of know anyone who should not be driving because they are drunk, angry, too old, or whatever, do something about it. Your actions could save the life of someone you love. Let's see if we can go at least 12 months without killing someone on our roads.