The Editor,
On a bright and sunny Saturday morning, I decided to head across the street for a quick jog on the greenway on Railway.
In order to achieve that, I would have to cross the Francis and Railway intersection - no big deal right? As the walking man symbol flashed green, I made sure to look both ways before crossing.
As I stepped down on the sidewalk, a shiny silver Mercedes Benz ran a red light and zoomed across the pedestrian walkway, merely missing me by inches. In shock, I halted and glared at the driver, whose car was already a speck in the distance - one would wonder how fast the car was going. The driver didn't even attempt to stop, nor was an apology given.
It is times like these when I doubt the safety of our roads.
I turned 16 a few months ago, officially of age to write the drivers' knowledge test. While all my other friends - especially the ones who have the Y chromosome - rushed to obtain their learning license, I was hesitant.
Though it is true that I am clumsy, a procrastinator and have a terrible sense of direction, I must admit that another reason why I still have yet to obtain my "L" is my fear of sharing the roads with bad drivers.
Some of these bad drivers may use the excuse that there are more reckless drivers in other places around the world, but I believe comparing ourselves to those more dangerous does not make the bad driving in Richmond acceptable.
I've never been a driver, but I have been a passenger many times in my life. If you're one of those reckless drivers on the road today in Richmond who turn without signalling, ignore pedestrians and cyclists, run red lights and stop signs, and honk impatiently at the car in front of you going 50 km/h, among others transgressions, I urge you to change for the better.
Not only are you putting your safety at risk, but also your passengers and the people you are sharing the road with.
In addition, you are being a poor role model for teenagers like me who wish to learn the safe and responsible way to drive.
To the responsible drivers out there who take these thoughts in consideration, I sincerely thank you.
Janice Wong, 16
Richmond
