We're High On Speed

Everybody’s in such a hurry today. From my pespective as a morning pedestrian on my walk around the lake, I walk on the road or on a path right next to it, and the vehicles race by, with no special regard for me – or for the speed limit for that matter.

I worry about that cup of coffee or cell phone in the right hand, or the paper in the briefcase that the driver might be reaching over to get as he or she approaches me. In my mind’s eye, I see the car swerve toward me and then I have to change the channel.

This perception of being completely defenseless against these missiles going by me, three feet away, at forty miles an hour, has made me intolerant of speeders, but I am a voice crying in the wilderness of tires spinning by me and sound systems with the insistent beat of juvenile idiocy pouring out the windows.

I’ve tried to persuade the city administrators to stop by the road, walk with me, stand where I walk, but either they do not deign to visit or they stay safely ensconced in their own multi-ton missiles.

The police make an attempt at enforcement every once in a while, but they have other priorities.

It is no longer a personal priority to understand that speed limits are set for a reason and that to obey them is desirable. We are all too important (yes, me too, but only on occasion) so that when late for that important appointment, we bend the rules in our favor and race down the road. Much easier than allowing sufficient time to arrive without breaking the unenforced law.

But here’s the point: Speeding doesn’t really get you there significantly faster than just going the speed limit. Probably isn’t too good for your blood pressure, either.

When I’m out walking, all the late people speeding doesn’t do one damn thing for my language or my blood pressure. I walk for exercise and for the loons and their chick, the ducks and the geese and the egrets and the sunrise and the wind in my face and the ever-changing clouds.

But you’re in a hurry and don’t see a bit of it. You think you’re on your way to more important things, but you would never convince me of it.

Thing of the fragile pedestrian just off your right fender; drive safely – and slowly – and how about starting today...now?