2008 Woodie Awards
Letter From the Editorial Staff
Bad Driving is No Way to Celebrate
Sarah Haller
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Why is it that when the holidays roll around, bad drivers come out in full force? Do they only leave their homes in preparation for the holidays? Have the holidays created a hostile atmosphere that inspires recklessness on the roads? It's beginning to look a lot like a nightmare.
After class on the Monday night before Thanksgiving, I walked to my car thinking about how excited I was for the upcoming holidays. I was happy to have off school and work and couldn't wait to get some quality relaxation time with family and friends. My mood was instantly ruined while trying to merge onto the ramp for 83 North. A pick-up truck couldn't stand my 10 mph-over-the-speed-limit pace. He beeped his horn, rolled down the window to display his middle finger as he cut me off, barely making it onto the ramp without killing us both. Unfortunately, this was not the only driving nightmare I encountered.
The day after Thanksgiving, I went shopping for Christmas gifts, like thousands of other people, and somehow survived the most hostile driving experience yet. I was cut off, cursed at, beeped at and passed with fingers waving all over the place. I was not the sole recipient of these holiday greetings; other drivers were also subjected to these impatient scrooges. At every store I went to, people were arguing over parking spaces, speeding through pedestrian zones and disregarding everything they learned in driver's education. Where's the holiday spirit?
I understand that the holidays are a stressful time for some. There are presents to buy, parties to prepare for and high expectations to live up to. But why make it harder on yourself by being an aggressive driver and putting yourself and others in danger? An accident will only add to your stress.
During a time of relaxation, celebration and giving, please look out for yourself and others. Follow traffic signs, be patient and chill out. And if you don't have time to chill out, please stay off the roads.
Sincerely,
Sarah Haller
News Editor
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