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I need to rant.
I know what you're thinking. 'Oh no, not another unhappy driver spewing out more carbon monoxide.'
I agree with you, but I feel as compelled to continue as a Lincoln Navigator unable to stop at a traffic light that has only been red for 3 seconds and is driven by a tiny aggressive blonde barely able to see over the dash board. Did I mention the child seat in the back? Before all the SUV owners cry foul, I should say that not all SUV drivers are rude and inconsiderate, and not all blondes are overly aggressive or dumb. There are plenty of bad drivers in every type of vehicle, including 'Professional' drivers. It does seem to me that, generally, the larger the vehicle the more aggressive the driver. They must feel that because of their size the maritime rules of the sea apply on the roads too: The bigger guy always has the right of way. Do they need a tugboat to help them park?

It's been reported that most accidents happen close to home. This isn't a good reason to stay away from home, that is unless you just don't like it there. I have to confirm this notion because about a month ago I was on my way home from work and I almost made it. About 4 blocks from home an overly aggressive female decided not to stop at a stop sign. This would not normally concern me, but she used the side of my car to stop instead of her brakes. I've come close to having similar or worse altercations hundreds of times before, as I'm sure everyone that drives has too. This was certainly a preventable accident, however I was unable to prevent it, that onus was on the other driver. It's possible that her rage caused her to strike out at the first innocent and hapless person she encountered. I can only guess what her rage might have been about.

After the dust settled and the spare parts were collected off the street, I was told repeatedly how lucky I was, I could have been seriously hurt. Well, it's been over a month since the collision and I still don't feel very lucky. I don't feel lucky about not having my car while the body shop tries to repair the damage that will forever leave my car marked. I don't feel lucky about the neck pain. Could anyone feel fortunate about having to deal with Insurance Companies, rental car agencies, doctors, and lawyers? How lucky am I when a raft of well meaning people want to give me their expert advice on how to handle the situation? And worst of all, I don't feel lucky about the paranoia I now feel every time I get into a car. How do you pound out the dents in your emotions, heal the scars, undo the trauma? No settlement can remove my apprehensions.

I don't think I need to tell everyone about the need for drivers to be careful and obey the traffic laws. What I do need to say is this: If you don't obey the traffic laws and you aren't careful, you may lose your life or cause someone else to lose theirs! Moreover, the cost of driving will become so high that only a select few will be able to afford driving.

Does anyone doubt that sooner or later, either drivers have to become more conscientious or personal vehicles as we know them will be taken away from us entirely. Every time someone runs a stop sign, or doesn't stop when the light turns red, or doesn't obey the traffic laws, we all suffer and get ever closer to losing our right to drive. People, use your common sense! What ever happened to common courtesy? Does anyone remember the Original Golden Rule? You cannot complain about cameras at intersections invading your privacy or higher insurance rates when there is so much disregard for basic safety laws. I would rather have my picture taken than be taken to the hospital! The right to be safe and have peace of mind is more important than anyone's right to get where they're going, especially if intelligent laws are abused along the way. I'm sure one could argue that the economy will suffer if traffic laws become more rigorously enforced, but I believe we will all suffer if the laws are ignored.

Here are some suggestions to help stop abusive driving and road rage:

• Leave the car at home - WALK.
• Allow the other guy the right of way, even if you think it's yours.
• Never press all the way down on your accelerator, keep a light foot.
• When in heavy traffic, don't change lanes or try to get one more car ahead.
• Relax, if you get there a minute later no one will notice or care, however they will notice if you don't get there. Nothing is more important than your welfare and the welfare of the others on the road.
• Turn off your cell phone while driving and pay attention to the road.
• Don't drink alcohol and drive, even 1 drink can be fatal.
• Courtesy begets courtesy, rage begets rage. Think about how you want to be treated, then treat others that way. Practice the Golden Rule, show others respect.
• Smile.
• Everyone has a mother.
• If you see me coming, please don't run into me, just wave hello.

This of course is only my opinion, it's right for me.