Drivin’ N Cryin’ is the name of a Southern Rock group with roots in Atlanta. But I find myself almost crying and driving over the 78 hour Memorial Day weekend because of the horrible metro traffic and drivers, driving crazy, trying to get to their final destination. For some, that could be the cemetery if they aren’t careful.
Last Memorial Day weekend, six people were killed in Georgia and 274 were injured; 255 were arrested for driving under the influence and tickets numbered in the thousands, according to the Georgia State Patrol. This is not a holiday for them. They will be out in full force until the holiday officially ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 28th.
So let’s be safe and not sorry. If you don’t want to see blue lights in our rear view mirrors, let’s check our driving habits. Before you hit the road, did you check your tires, your gas, your brakes, belts, fluid levels? Is your car road worthy?
Do not text and drive, nor read a text while driving. A car is not the place to multi-task, no matter how good of a driver you think you are. As of July 1st, you can only use your phone in the car if it is hands-free. Thanks be to God. Don’t forget the seat belt… the Georgia State Patrol says, click it or ticket.
Aggressive driving is a no-no. I know you are in a hurry but you should have left earlier. Obey the posted speed limit. I’ve heard the old wives’ tale that says you won’t get stopped if you are not going more than 10 miles above the posted speed limit. Don’t bet points on it.
Tailgating is best done in the parking lot at the football game and not on the interstate. Don’t ride someone’s bumper, leave enough space in between cars so you have room to stop on a dime. Use your turn signal indicators to change lanes but make sure you have enough space to change lanes. And remember, just because your blinker is on, does not mean someone has to let you over. Pack your patience and your prayers. Don’t be an aggressive driver and don’t react to aggressive drivers who cut in too closely; ride your bumper, blow their horn or flash their lights because they feel you aren’t going fast enough. In other words, don’t give someone the finger, yell or blow your horn at them if they do something that could have caused an accident, if not for your defensive driving. Road Rage is real and don’t become a victim or a perpetrator.
No drinking nor drug use while driving. Please, if you are going to drink an alcoholic beverage, call a taxi, Uber, Lyft or designate a driver, if you are going out in a group. Buzz driving is still drunk driving. Don’t be impaired.
If everyone drove this way, year round, traffic would move a lot smoother; we’d be less stressed, with no driving and crying. Happy Holiday!