I wrote this in response to Amy Perry's letter of a few weeks ago but never sent it to the editor. Today's article about the driving plan for September 10 has spurred me on.
While we're being honest, there's nothing like seeing those police lights to make you slow down. When I was given a warning on Green Hill Rd in Madison for going 47 about 10 years ago it really did have an effect on me. It did slow me down. (But not to 25 mph.) Having a teenager who's driving has been another incentive to pay closer attention to the rules of the road. I've always been a careful driver but reminders are good.
However, in the spirit of further honesty: No one drives 25 on Green Hill. Well, actually, four people do. But if you do go between 30 and 35 it can be frightening. One look in your rear view mirror and you can pretty much make out the brand of cell phone the driver is using. It can be unnerving to see the driver's frustration with you; even scarier to have them pass...... despite that wonderful yellow line…..on one of those lovely curves.
Some possible solutions: Park empty police cars here and there for a while. Leave a few minutes earlier. Realize that you will get better gas mileage. If you have children, think for a moment about the hypocrisy involved when you are next irritated that they have not followed a certain rule. Enjoy the beautiful sights along the way. Remind yourself that you have less of a chance of killing an animal or someone....a child....who inadvertently runs out into the road.
Here's my fantasy: That the police force comes up with a system that catches people doing well and rewards them. That is, you actually stop at a stop sign and look both ways, a police officer sees you and you get $10.00. I wonder if positive reinforcement would work with adults. Maybe just a verbal "thank you" would work.
While walking my dog on the new freeway known as Chittenden Road, I mouth the words "thank you"; to those driving by at 30 mph. But then again, money does seem to speak. People clip 50 cent coupons and drive out of their way to gas stations offering pennies less per gallon.
As Amy Perry said, once you get used to it, 30mph feels normal. The only challenge is to avoid being intimidated by the tailgaters who inevitably appear.
Divinna Schmitt