you're going too fast,
got to make the morning last
Simon and Garfunkel, Feeling Groovy
...the white Volkswagen hatchback that blew passed me at 70 klicks in a 50 zone at Provoncher and Archibald this afternoon at about 12:30. I'm not prone to road rage, but man, I was ticked off at this guy. You would have been too!
The bumper sticker?
It's only speeding if you get caught
I thought I was mistaking, is that even legal? When I caught up to him at the red light I checked again... I must have been mistaking, no one would be that stupid... but sure enough, there it was, bold letters, red on white ...it's only speeding if you get caught.
I commute by vehicle daily, 45 minutes each way in addition to travelling between different job sites, and I see examples of bad drivers every day. But this bumper sticker, this particular driver ticked off more so than usual. It's the self-centered message, don't-give-a-flying-care-for-others attitude that sets this guy apart from all the others. He even as the audacity to brag about his stupidity. It's sad really... but it still make my blood boil!
I was mad.
I wanted to confront him and remind that he's in a school zone. I wanted to shake him. I wanted to make him squirm. I wanted him to attend a funeral of a young person killed by someone with an arrogant attitude such as his. I wanted to tell him about the lingering pain of losing a loved one. I wanted to tell him the emptiness and regret he would have for the rest of his life.
I wanted to talk.
I commute by vehicle daily, 45 minutes each way in addition to travelling between different job sites, and I see examples of bad drivers every day. But this bumper sticker, this particular driver ticked off more so than usual. It's the self-centered message, don't-give-a-flying-care-for-others attitude that sets this guy apart from all the others. He even as the audacity to brag about his stupidity. It's sad really... but it still make my blood boil!
I was mad.
I wanted to confront him and remind that he's in a school zone. I wanted to shake him. I wanted to make him squirm. I wanted him to attend a funeral of a young person killed by someone with an arrogant attitude such as his. I wanted to tell him about the lingering pain of losing a loved one. I wanted to tell him the emptiness and regret he would have for the rest of his life.
I wanted to talk.
I wanted to tell him about Amy, and her uncle Michael.
Michael is a regular guy, a runner, and a blogger (like me in many ways). I have never met him but I've followed his blog for years. He lives in the San Francisco area and he strikes me as the kind if guy whose company I would enjoy over a beer. I would like to go for a run with Michael. Yes, I would enjoy his company on a run and over a beer. We would have much to discuss and share.
In time, and over miles, Michael would tell me the story of Amy.
Michael's 27 year old niece, Amy was killed by an inattentive speeding driver one morning while she was on her daily 4 mile run. Michael has committed to run 12 marathons in 2013 to honour her memory and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding. Click here to follow his journey. I will add Amy's name to my bib on my next marathon.
How about you?
It's a good day to be alive... let's slow down and enjoy it!
Michael
In time, and over miles, Michael would tell me the story of Amy.
Michael's 27 year old niece, Amy was killed by an inattentive speeding driver one morning while she was on her daily 4 mile run. Michael has committed to run 12 marathons in 2013 to honour her memory and raise awareness of the dangers of speeding. Click here to follow his journey. I will add Amy's name to my bib on my next marathon.
How about you?
It's a good day to be alive... let's slow down and enjoy it!
Michael
2 comments:
I agree! I was hit by a car as a pedestrian when I was 16. I was lucky and escaped with only a broken pelvis and some stitches in the bridge of my nose.
Good reminder to be cautious as both a runner and a driver.
wow! michael...thank you so much for your kind comments and posting this on your blog. i am looking forward to the day we can share a run and a beer...in that order.
cheers, sir.
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