This may not be applicable to some of you but many of us are always caught in this hype that we need to get somewhere in the most minimal time. I was, I confess, one of those. I use to think, "Eh, why drive 100 when you can go 120!"
No. Never again. It wasn't a result of some personal freak accident that changed my life forever .. ever .. ever *echo*, I guess time just caught up with me. I've had friends who've told me of some of the things they did, like run a red light, take a U-turn when you're not supposed to or just brag about the speed they've reached. What if the cars just speed when it's their turn and ram into your car, or someone's crossing the road and you don't have enough space for your car to stop all the way?
What is so important that you need to rush somewhere? Hospitals, fine. Emergencies, fine. But a weekend out with the guys? A hang out at your favorite gahwa? A bonfire gathering in Skhere? Haven't people heard of arriving fashionably late?
Orrr ... Leave early! *sudden realization*
We need to set our priorities straight. Whether the law marks the limits at 100 or 140, it doesn't mean those are the safest speeds to drive. A police offers once said something so obvious (that an immature prick would probably laugh off with their friends), and yet enlightening: "Be careful, this is steel."
Just today, I had a big (and expensive) car just speed out of a hidden turn! It ALMOST hit the passenger side where my younger siblings were sitting. And after I passed, the driver simply proceeded to move at the same speed. Looking both ways before crossing the street does not only apply to pedestrians, you know.
And don't remind me about seat belts! My cousin in the passenger seat once took off her seat belt. Why? Oh, she wanted to take a selfie. I stopped the car (in a safe area of course) and wouldn't move until she wore it back. And she did. 'coz ya know, gat ta go places!
I have a relative (who I don't know, having thousands of them) who I heard was held at a station because he hit another car late at night. One of the girls in the other car was in critical condition. They wouldn't let my relative out until they make sure she's better. My relative I hear, lives with his family and is an undergraduate student. The girl died. And he's in prison.
I now understand why my dad reacted in shock when years ago he asked me what speed I drive, and I replied 90 (thinking it' a good reply). Maybe he was kidding, I don't know.
Not the perfect driver over here! I can stir a few honks from my fellow drivers from time to time, but I do try to keep .. safe? I guess this began when I realized how expensive it is to fix dents, change parts and especially when it's not your car. Whether it's your dad who's willing to pay for the damage, he's spending money on something he did not do. Oh, and getting a new car, too much! (at least for the working class, what's a working class, btw?)
Oh and look out for those Saudi cars. Not generalizing, but I have noticed quite a lot of them driving over two lanes, don't really know what's going on in there ..
The point is, stay safe.
My friend: "We have a lot of surgeons in Bahrain."
**Speeds are in KM! Duhh, coz the whole world uses that!
 |
| Ahh, back in the days when taking pictures with a nokia phone was .. picture taking. |
No comments:
Post a Comment