I received many comments from readers when I requested a sharing of ideas about how to address aggressive driving in ways that might reduce it.
Several recommended this: “stricter laws with teeth.” I love stronger highway laws — not all drivers do. And lawmakers are often reluctant to upset that apple cart. So if you want them, insist. Grassroots efforts work … sometimes.
Several readers wrote that many of the, um, dimmer bulbs among us aren’t even aware that driving aggressively — tailgating, passing on the shoulder, blaring horns, cursing out windows — is unacceptable. I can say this: my state, Colorado, seems to be aware of this awareness gap. Signs lining the interstates encourage people to report aggressive drivers (a special number is provided). When one driver reports another, the tag number of the vehicle reported is entered into a database. After three calls have come in on the same plate, the owner gets a letter saying, more or less, “You’ve been seen driving like a dope.” More than 200,000 calls have been made, according to the Colorado State Patrol. This may not deter any chronic abuser, of course. The person can’t be fined (and shouldn’t be, naturally), because someone with a bone to pick could file false reports, or the offender could argue that “someone else was driving my car.” But maybe the very existence of the campaign reminds some that driving like a fool is bad.
Several readers wrote that citizens must give aggressive driving the same attention drunken driving was subjected to decades ago.
And one woman, a pastor from California, sent a twoscreen email.
She commented that “raising generations with the idea that as individuals, they are special and above the crowd has its downside.”
Another factor, she asserted, is that carmakers are designing and marketing vehicles that are frankly “aggressive” — with formidable headlights and grilles. That may impact driving style when people slide behind the wheel, and it certainly intimidates people who see them in the rearview mirror.
“As drivers, we need to raise our own awareness of our emotional triggers, and find ways to circumvent knee-jerk reactivity,” she wrote.
Hard to disagree. I say we appoint the good reverend highway czar and let her have some time with carmakers, lawmakers and drivers.
©CTW Features
What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email [email protected].