Their hands clutching at their steering wheels, with a grip that would strangle the strongest of men, they drive at a snail’s pace on the ‘fast’ lane.
Then, suddenly, shock horror. They are forced to stop at a roundabout or stop sign.
Reluctantly, gingerly, they slowly release their grip on the steering wheel, and in slow motion put their hands on the gear leaver. Releasing the gear they wait for their slot to proceed on their journey.
In what seems like an eternity, and several missed opportunities, they eventually put the car in first gear. Quickly, in a flash, their murderous grip is back on the steering wheel.
Chin sticking out dangerously close to the wheel they proceed at a snail’s pace, blissfully unaware of the fact that should, God forbid, they have an accident they are at more risk of being seriously injured than if they had to keep a safe distance from the wheel.
Totally oblivious of the fact that such driving causes frustration and is potentially dangerous these people lurk on our roads making rush hour even more unbearable than usual.
Yes, you guessed right. I experienced a tad too many of these drivers this morning.
Now wait. Don’t get me wrong, I do not condone reckless driving but extremes are bad on both ends. If you are not confident to push the pedal a bit harder keeping within the specified legal limit, that is fine, but get out of the way!
Don’t be selfish and block other drivers’ way. The outer lane is for overtaking, so it should be kept free. Driving at 5 kilometres per hour on a road that has a limit of 60 kilometres per hour is bound to cause frustration and irritation.
Let us be realistic, blocking someone from overtaking, especially when on their way to work in the morning or home in the evening, is extremely frustrating. And please do not come and tell me that it is not. If you don’t find it frustrating then you are either living an illusion or else have the luxury of taking things calmly and not rushing to get to work on time or getting home in time to feed the family etc etc
I was very pleased to read that the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs will be imposing a €100 fine on those found driving in reserved lanes or those blocking traffic by driving on the outside lane when not overtaking.
What needs to be seen is whether this will be enforced or not.
One lives in hope!
Drive carefully and safely!
3 comments:
Enforement is the word - in typical maltese fashion - not much will be done - or if it is - just for a very short time.
What we need is to get rid of, lets say on an average, between 60%to 65% of the population who have a driving licence - that would reduce the amount of cars on the road and the pollution etc.
Actually - we should get rid of 60 - 65% of the population :)
Maybe this place might START to move in the right direction - hopefully - in a forward moving direction
Enforcement is the main issue with most of Malta's ills, Maria. What makes you think this issue will be enforced any better than drink-driving or using a mobile when driving?
Yes enforcement is the main issue - that is why I said I live in hope :)
Pierre, getting rid of 60 - 65% of the population was not exactly what I had in mind when writing the article.
Perhaps a re-education of drivers would be better, coupled with enforcement of course!
Post a Comment