Silver Lining?

While driving I’ve been noticing a couple of phenomena that are seemingly unrelated, but may in fact end up having something to do with each other.

The first is a set of drivers that have absolutely no regard for others on the road, traffic signals, cross walks, speed limits, double yellow lines and no passing zones.  They come in all ages, but there are some typical types.  One is the young woman in her small BMW, Audi, or some other spunky import with her cell phone up to her ear, tail gating as she impatiently seeks an opportunity to blow by either at the next light, or passes on the right when she can.  She drives as fast as she can for as long as she can.  Then there are young guys in their “tuner” cars, with visions of Fast & Furious as they cruise around with their seat back reclined so far you wonder how they can see over the steering wheel.  All that can be seen is their over sized baseball cap with the brim turned sideways- not very good for keeping the sun out of their eyes.  Many have stereos so powerful that the bass shakes all the loose trim until it sounds like the car is full of maracas in a calypso band.  Both these drivers push the right turn on red to the limit, not stopping or in some cases not even slowing down.  If you proceed when you have the right of way, they seem to test you as you approach an intersection in a game of chicken to see if you will hesitate & let them cruise through.

The second set is composed of kids on motor scooters.  They too have absolutely no regard for others on the road, traffic signals, cross walks, speed limits, double yellow lines and no passing zones.  However, these kids do not have the protection of a vehicle around them.  They zip up and down the streets, sometimes in groups that weave in and out of traffic.  I’ve seen some kids dangling their feet while riding (do they think it’s cool?), and turning their heads to chat with their riding buddies completely taking their eyes off the road.  And helmets? Forget about it!  I’m sure their folks have no idea how they behave when they head out of the driveway.

So what possible good can come from the relationship between these two groups?  Group 1 will turn group 2 into organ donors.  Unfortunately, this summer will surely be a tragedy for some families, and a life saving opportunity for others.