WE are NOT that IMPORTANT!!!

The 4 of us had just completed a full-day hike that was nothing short of awe-filled, we had enjoyed the challenge, the fresh air, being in communion with nature and each other - every little thing had been perfect.

Until we heard a sound behind us.

That horrible, terrifying sound.

The high-pitched screech of rubber tires on pavement. Someone desperately trying to avoid a collision. Unsuccessfully.

It was a busy, fast, double-lane, divided highway - the accident was on the other side of the median, and we were already long past it. We had to keep going but I can't get that sound out of my mind.

So many emotions have been reeling through my mind, so much sadness, pain, and trauma for so many people. Those involved, those witnessing, the families of those affected, emergency personnel and on and on.

One feeling is making me write today. Anger. I don't know the whole story but I am furious.

I am furious at the person who chose to turn onto a busy highway before it was safe to do so.

I am furious at all of us (me included) who, at times, think we are so flippin' important that we must do such stupid things to get somewhere 2 minutes earlier.

I am furious at all of us (me included) who, at times, think we are so flippin' important that we must text while driving, lest someone wait a bit for our reply.

I am furious at all of us (me included) who, at times, think we are so flippin' important we must speed, cut someone off, ignore the caution signs - surely those rules are for someone else.

I am furious at all of us (me included) who, at times, think we are so flippin' important that school zone/playground slow zones are an inconvenience to our busy lives.

I am furious at all of us (me included) who, at times, think we are so flippin' important that a yellow or red light - heaven forbid two or three in a row - is enough to ruin our day. Typically, all we want is a little time to ourselves but nooooo, not at a red light - that's terrible. According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials, a typical red light lasts between 60 - 90 seconds. Imagine the nerve of the city wasting that much of our precious time.

Excuse my sarcasm - or don't. I don't think I've ever written a blog with this tone before.

Ya, this motivational speaker is pissed off and I have some news for you...

WE are NOT that IMPORTANT!!!

Including you. Sorry to say it so bluntly.

So what if we are a little late; is the world going to end? Speed by me and chances are we will meet at the next light. Tell you what - you take out that motorcyclist, and you'll be really late!

Even emergency vehicles prioritize driving safety and they are in a legit hurry.

WE are NOT that IMPORTANT!!!

And at the same time...

We (and others) are soooooo important!

Every day hundreds of people die in fatal car collisions*, they planned to get to their destination just fine and it didn't work out for them. Maybe it's because they weren't careful or maybe they were the victim of someone else's impatience, incompetence, bad decisions.

We could be next. We've all done stupid things. We've all narrowly missed something that would have negatively impacted our lives.

Just get there safe. Come home safe. Just because you came home safe last time, doesn't mean you will this time.

WE are NOT that IMPORTANT!!!

and

We are soooooo important!

Now...your life, your version, your plan...

Some things you can do for safety, courtesy of my favorite Traffic Collison Investigator (aka, my son)...

"Recommendations are tough sometimes because many are common sense things that everyone already knows and, as you mentioned, are too often ignored. Many collisions are the results of drinking/drug use while driving, speeding and distracted driving.

Besides the obvious, follow the rules of the road and remain attentive, stop thinking of driving as a mindless and simple daily task and take the time to be conscious of the potential harm that exists every time we operate a multi-ton machine.

If at all possible when choosing a car, pick the vehicle with the lowest hood height and highest safety rating that can suit your life. A majority of the fatal collisions I attend involve large pickups and SUVs.

Consider advocating for improvements to road safety design to your local city council or at least don't actively oppose improvements when they are proposed in your community.

Roads work best when they are "complete streets" that is when the road accommodates all users including walking, cycling, public transit and vehicles. For cities, this will come in many forms but such as reduced speed limits, raised crosswalks, proper sidewalks and bike lanes all contribute to safer roads for everyone.

Again most of the fatal collisions I attend happen on streets that have higher speeds of 50kmh/30 mph plus and are lacking the proper infrastructure mentioned above.

*They refer to 'accidents' as collisions because an accident implies it was an unavoidable faultless incident; a collision more accurately describes what occurred and allows the authorities to work on finding the cause or fault that resulted in the tragic event."

Okay, my rant is done. Let us be mindful. Let us be patient. Let us be courteous. Let us remember that driving is a privilege and we are not promised tomorrow. Be careful because even though WE are NOT that IMPORTANT, somebody loves us and would miss us dearly.

Safety first, Steph

(The photo is how happy I was at the top of the mountain, before the screech.)

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On a lighter note, back to your regularly scheduled program! Do you assume, too? (< 1 minute)