Lives depend on driving safely

By Katrina Rooney

I saw something wonderful today.

In light of the most recent tragedy along highway 67, it must be said that these are not accidents. The numerous incidents and lives lost are a result of careless, ignorant, drivers in too much of a hurry with the lack of realization that thoughtless driving could lead to not arriving at all. Unfortunately, it is all too often the innocent victim getting penalized for such a selfish, egotistical way of driving.

As I followed a steady line of cars on a lazy Saturday up the hill from Poway into town, I took notice to the car ahead of me. The white Hyundai was driving erratically, weaving from the yellow lane divider to the white outline of the bike lane; using the break and gas, causing an almost steady Morse-code-like rhythm to the car’s break lights in a vain attempt to avoid hitting the white pickup truck she was so eagerly tailgating.

As I kept my distance, contemplating whether or not to dial 911 and report a possibly drunk driver, my blood began to boil.

Helpless from behind, watching this happen, I could almost understand how the driver of the white truck must be feeling as I wished I had loudspeaker to share some choice words with the woman in the white Hyundai. Then something fantastic happened.

A red light at the intersection near Kmart and Stater Bros. stopped the madness, and as the white truck and Hyundai rolled up to the stopping point (white Hyundai still inches from the trucks bumper) the truck stopped in the left lane, conveniently next to a police officer in the right. When the light turned green and the left lane stood still, the driver of the white truck rolled down her window and said something to this cop. As she drove off, he put on his lights and pulled over that white Hyundai. As I passed, I saw the driver pull to the side of the road, still greatly engaged in what must have been an all too important cell phone conversation.

You could have killed somone!

It makes me so angry when I see this type of behavior. I’m sure we have all had someone cross the double yellow coming on the mountain on down route 78 or been a victim of some jerk following too closely.

So for today, my hero is the woman in the white truck — for doing something about this. And thank you to the police officer for doing the right thing. To the driver of the white Hyundai: SHAME ON YOU.

Please drive safely, everyone. Our lives depend on it.

Katrina Rooney is a Ramona resident.