Written by I hate being in a car… hate is too strong of a word (which seems funny in light of the passionate language I’ve been reading on some blogs)
I always feel nervous in a car… I’m always a passenger.
I don’t think it’s logical to feel other wise.
Like most… I’ve seen, heard and experienced my fair share of disturbing events involving cars… google gigababy if you haven’t seen enough mayhem.
Like most… I’ve seen what liquor and irrational behavior can cause.
At 16 I came close to being toast… in an incident similar that occurred to Tyler… as a passenger.
I decided that moment that I would never drive.
And just to make sure I got the message at 19 my near perfect mother almost killed us… no speeding… no liquor… icy roads… a simple moment of inattention… close but no cigar.
I feel very fortunate that people like Tim Mulcahy http://www.tylermulcahy.com/law-change.asp and Cindy Smith (gigababy) https://enjoy-every-moment.com/2008/07/gigababys-web-creed-you-dont-have-to.html and Heart Group http://www.heartgroup.ca/petition.html and many many other passionate individuals who put their energy in trying to make people speak up to make things safer for all of us.
I don’t necessarily agree with all the specifics they and other propose… which is what I think is great about our world… debate and dispute… the wisdom of crowds… change… progress and evolution.
However what I’m learning is that if you feel there are better options than those proposed… support these to start… then from within try and expand their reach.
In the last few days… I’ve read hundred of opinion on the subject… and despite the wide ranging perspectives… there is a common element to all… people have opinions and they care enough to voice them… and democracy gives everyone an equal say.
I’d like to see a significant change in how people think about their responsibility to themselves and others. Within the context of this subject and without as well! Laws… public debate… home and schools all shape the frame we view life though… the clearer the dangers to oneself and other when driving are… the better it will be for everyone.
In as much as I would like to see stricter and harsher penalties to support this progression… I will quote Bill Gates:
"…we always overestimate the change that will occur in the next two years and underestimate the change that will occur in the next 10. Don’t let yourself be lulled into inaction."
Thank you Tim and Cindy… keep up the great work!
Marc Wagner
I’m all for less mayhem.
Thank you.