Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Not a good time for reading!

As I was driving home yesterday, I found myself behind a big SUV on the section of freeway where the speed limit changes from 65 to 75. As we passed the speed limit sign, the speed of the SUV didn't change. No big deal. I was boxed in by other traffic for a moment, but either the SUV would realize the speed limit had changed and speed up, or I would be able to go around in a minute or two.

As I drove behind the SUV, the speed never varied a bit. It was obviously set on cruise control and the driver didn't seem inclined to adjust it and speed up. So when I got the chance, I changed lanes to pass. As I passed, I glanced over at the other driver. I don't know why I have to look at the other driver when I'm passing, but I'm compelled to do so. I can't help myself.

Anyway, I looked over and saw that she probably hadn't noticed the change in speed limit because she was so absorbed in her reading! Seriously, she had a magazine spread out on her steering wheel and was reading it as she drove. She had this enormous SUV set on cruise control so it would just keep going on its own so that she could look at her magazine. What if the cars in front of her stopped abruptly? What if an animal ran into the road? What if, what if, what if?

I'm all for reading in all kinds of situations. I always have a book with me. But even I realize that while you're driving, you should put the magazine away! Jeez... If she's that determined to read during her commute, she needs to take the bus.

4 comments:

Mistaken said...

Do we really have to make a law that says you can't read while driving? Come on! Can't people just use common sense?

taradon said...

Apparently not...

Melissa said...

Yikes! The new no-texting-while-driving law takes effect today, perhaps they should add no reading to the list!

Tera said...

I thought it was pretty self explanatory that you shouldn't text while driving, but alas, they had to pass a law to tell people not to do it. I'm not really sure how they are going to police that rule, but hey, maybe someone didn't realize it wasn't safe to do so and now with the new law won't do it anymore? I doubt it, but you never know!

I agree with Melissa, maybe we need to pass a law that we shouldn't read and drive at the same time. After all, McDonalds did have to put "Contents Hot" on their coffee cups, as if someone didn't realize coffee was supposed to be hot. Wow. It takes all types.

Just be glad she was going 10 miles an hour slower than you and so you left her and her pending accident far behind you!