Dear Editor,
Re: “Richmond drivers need to mind their manners,” Letters, Aug. 26.
I do agree with some of the points that Janet Oakes raised in her letter. And, yes, we have in our midst many “dangerous and inconsiderate drivers.” But who are “they”? Would simply “obeying traffic rules and signs” be enough to alleviate risks and road rage?
Ms. Oakes shared her experience driving in London. Maybe she should have also offered Anthony Bourdain’s experience with traffic in Manila and Hong Kong, where a 20-minute ride often turns into two hours or more. A valuable lesson could be learned, however. Drivers in those congested cities have only one ultimate goal — to get to their destination quickly and safely. That objective requires incredible focus and concentration.
In those cities, they place tremendous value on having a vehicle to help them commute to their place of work, school, or other destinations. They fight for space on small roads; traffic signs are mere “suggestions” and, as a consequence, driver assertiveness (aggressiveness) is expected — and anticipated.
Paradoxically, people in those cities do not complain of “inconsiderate drivers;” rather, they protect themselves from harm by being keenly aware of traffic and road conditions. They do not “point their fingers forward and walk across streets without looking at vehicular movement’; not even on pedestrian crosswalks.
And therein lies traffic problems in our city. Many drivers use our roads as if they are private, leisurely promenades.
They occupy the left lane as if it belongs to them. “I am following the speed limit and I am entitled to stay in this lane,” is often the idiotic mindset. Never mind the $167 fine for holding up traffic in the passing lane on highways.
Pedestrians live with a strong belief that a lit crosswalk and a finger pointed forward are enough to proceed safely across. It is a consequence of the “right of way” mentality that has been inculcated in our culture for decades, maybe centuries.
Can severe penalties for defying speed limits and traffic rules eliminate traffic risks and road rage? I doubt it. Law enforcement in our city (RCMP) is already encumbered to the point that Coun. Bill McNulty is pressing council to consider replacing it with a city police force.
To reduce risks and fatalities, however, I strongly urge the city to levy heavy penalties for speeding through amber lights and turning left on a red light. How? By installing traffic cameras, especially at busy intersections. Perhaps a Dangerous Driver Registry should be established to keep a public record of repeat offenders. City enforcement agents should be diverted from issuing parking tickets to monitoring left turn and amber (and red) light violations.
El Mendoza
Richmond
