By Barbara Ringenberg
I had a close encounter with mortality: unnecessary, but for selfish, egotistic behavior of a driver. I was parked on the opposite side of Highway 29, off the road, hazard lights on. I opened the door cautiously. A small vehicle passing a truck came within two inches of my partially opened door and body behind it. Was he in control? Aware of surroundings? My vote: no.
Another car flew by in pursuit of this first car, both vehicles creating dangerous circumstances for an oncoming vehicle and the truck they were passing. It was the skill of those drivers that avoided disaster. This is a public road, not a private race course. Speed does not equal skill.
I guess their average speed was over 75 mph; the speed limit is 55 mph. I emphasize limit, as this is the maximum safe speed for the environment, in good conditions ? not only ability to maneuver safely, vehicle design and limitation, but all factors that contribute to locale; like population, animals, visual and physical condition(s) of the road.
You may be fortunate enough to have avoided serious road accidents in the past, but from my observations it has very little to do with ability, training and skills. More often than not, it is a result of luck and the grace of God.
Maybe this grace is not extended to you, but to the others on the road you are a threat to.
You cannot undo an accident. Drive with care. Enjoy the ride. Be considerate of others on the road.
Barbara Ringenberg
Hidden Valley Lake
