That sounds simply enough, doesn’t it? I don’t mean well enough to fool the driving examiner but well enough to keep yourself out of trouble on the road. I’ve been driving since I was fourteen years old and received my first license at sixteen. I’ve held a license is four states and an international license while in the Navy. I’ve also driven in all kinds of weather, some with a pucker factor of nine or better and survived it all. So let it be said I’m an experienced driver; I know how to keep it between the ditches and shiny side up. So when I see drivers today, I have to wonder just how they managed to get a license to get behind the wheel.
I live in a suburb of Denver, Colorado and often have to drive the major freeways to get where I want to go, mainly fishing. I do my damnest to stay off the roads during rush hour, happens twice a day, and definitely off the roads during the holidays when the most important person on the road is going nowhere fast. I’ve also been in my share of accidents, from minor fender benders to one that totaled my truck (the other driver was talking on her phone and rear ended me doing 40 MPH). I’ve seen drivers talking on their phones, sending text messages, eating, drinking, reading, putting on makeup, leaning over the seat to swat a kid, changing the radio station and even changing their clothes, all while driving more than the speed limit. I’ve found it in my best interests to just back off on the gas and let them get ahead of me, far ahead of me.
I have nothing against legal immigrants, those who followed the law in getting here but Colorado has a major problem with the illegal ones. They travel here to work in the fields or in construction and send their money back home. They know they are here unlawfully and so have no reason to obey our laws, they can buy a car and drive. They have no reason to buy car insurance, a state law, or obey the traffic laws. If they cause an accident, they simply walk away and go buy another car (this happens all too often, hence, uninsured driver insurance). I will never understand why the license manual is printed in Spanish when all our traffic signs are printed in English; I believe they should learn our language before getting a license and getting behind the wheel but then our politicians see them as a serious voting block and don’t want to offend them.
Colorado has plenty of winding, challenging mountain roads, more than a few look like a can of worms when viewed from overhead. There is a particular one that goes from Golden to Black Hawk (our version of Las Vegas) and is always crowded, many times with inexperienced drivers. That note is reinforced by the sheer number of accidents that happen on the two-lane, twisting, blind corners road. From Highway 58 and Highway 6 in Golden, it’s only 18 miles to Black Hawk, with a top speed limit of 40 MPH. Not only are there plenty of cars, trucks and SUVs but there are also casino buses, dump trucks and slow movers, making for a challenging, often frustrated drive. Throw in the constant construction and one can see that speed is not warranted nor wanted.
Not everyone is going up there for the gambling; there is gold panning, kyaking, fishing, sight seeing, the wildlife and rock climbing for those so inclined. All the pull offs are often crowded with cars and trucks constantly pulling on and off the road. The drive calls for constant vigilance and eyes on the road but the drivers insist on scanning the hills, watching Clear Creek rush by and pointing out a Big Horn sheep or deer to their passengers. This is especially true during the winter when an inch of ice can cover the road, making a trip into the creek a distinct possibility. This only reinforces my belief that everyone on the road is an idiot except me. I’ve driven this road many times in all types of weather and I know when to slow down even more, which blind corner to watch for and where the cops park. I also know that just one accident can close the road for hours, in both directions.
I have a few helpful hints for other drivers. 1- don’t rush me, I’m peddling as fast as I can. 2 - if you’re in that much of a rush, pass me and I’ll wave when I later pass you sitting in a ditch or pulled over by a cop. 3 - you are not the only one on the road, it was designed for multiple vehicles so share it. 4 - those caution signs are there for a reason, obey them. It means the curve was meant to be taken at 30 MPH, not 60. 5 - the wildlife was here before the road so give them a brake or have them as a hood ornament. Same with bicycles.
While I’ve mentioned those who prefer two wheels instead of four; you are not the only one on the road. You’re riding a hundred pound bike while I’ve driving a 4,000 pound truck. Who do you think will win if you pull in front of me? Yes, it is now a state law that I give you three feet of space but what if there isn’t that much to give? I will give you as much as I can but I’m not going head to head with that 70,000 pound dump truck just for you. Most importantly, use a little common sense before choosing your route; a two lane, narrow road is not the place to exercise your rights to the road. You are governed by the same traffic laws as I am but use a little common sense in doing so and we’ll both reach our destinations safely.
Teenagers, just because I have gray hair doesn’t mean I’m stupid, it does mean that I’ve been driving longer than you have. I probably tried the same stupid stunts you’re pulling but I learned from my mistakes, as you will if you live long enough. Show a little respect for your elders.
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