Dear readers;
Last week, a pedestrian was killed near Lac La Hache. A week earlier, a pedestrian was injured on Third Avenue at Mackenzie Avenue by a driver who stopped, backed up and left the pedestrian on the road. I happen to know the injured victim. It brings to mind similar incidents, some of them many years ago. Two were co-workers on a motorcycle.
One died and the other was in hospital for months. Three of these people were my cousins on bicycles.
One cousin was severely injured and two cousins were killed. What were they all hit with? Four-wheeled vehicles. Drivers, your vehicle can be a very dangerous weapon.
Seatbelts and airbags do wonders protecting you and your passengers, but they do nothing to protect the person or persons you hit. Anyone who has read this column regularly knows I have trouble with those who drive vehicles much bigger than needed. In response, some people tell me it is for their protection.
And is it true that if there is a collision between them and another vehicle, they stand a better chance of surviving. I get that. But please, at the same time realize that you are more likely going to injure or kill the people you hit.
Yes, even people in a smaller vehicle. Who was at fault in my cousin’s cases? In two cases, the driver had the right of way. In another, the bicyclist did.
But blame does not change the injury or the deaths. Drivers, be extra careful with the “weapon” in your command. You could hurt or kill someone with it. Slow down. Don’t be in a hurry. Don’t drive a bigger beast than you need to.
Drive defensively: watch out for the people you could hurt: especially pedestrians and cyclists. Not sure what defensive driving is? Look on-line and call a local driver instructor.
Bert Groenenberg is a motorist, bicyclist and pedestrian.
