`LITTLE PEOPLE' AS AGGRESSIVE AND THOUGHTLESS AS ANY IN `BIG RIGS'

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, January 3, 1992                   TAG: 9201030384
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CONSTANCE HAMILTON
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium
`LITTLE PEOPLE' AS AGGRESSIVE AND THOUGHTLESS AS ANY IN `BIG RIGS'
"LITTLE PEOPLE" or "pleasure" cars are not given a fighting chance on Interstate 81 by the "big rigs"?
An artist who lives in Roanoke said (letter, Dec. 23) that truckers are deadly killers and traveling light shows.
As the driver of a "pleasure" car, I have observed how we "little people" drive for pleasure at speeds of 65 mph-plus. By way of light shows, we have rows of fog lights either in car grills or lined across the top of pickup-truck roll bars.
We even go a step further and have 65-mph-plus rolling phone booths. How can we, trying to connect that next circuit, concentrate on safe driving?
The reality is that our aggressive, high-tech, stressed society designed our interstates and expressways for assertive business economy, not sedate driving. For this purpose, parkways and skyline drives were provided.
Those drives do not post an excess of 45 mph at any time, and the "big rigs" are not permitted. Funny, it seems that while driving on these relaxed pleasure ways, I have been passed, run off the road, and pushed to go faster by impatient "little people" exceeding the posted limit.
I have a 50-mile work commute. In one week, I saw four gruesome wrecks. (This does not touch on the number that I see within a month.) Not one wreck involved a "big rig"; each was caused by "pleasure cars" passing on solid lines and pushing the speed limit.
At a stop light starting a half-mile section of Hershberger Road, I witnessed 10 innocent "pleasure" cars run a red light jockeying for that No. 1 position. At two more consecutive signals, five and later three more "pleasure" cars ran red lights.
Railroads are excellent cross-country transport. However, there is no conceivable or economical way they can deliver directly to the door of every hospital, grocery store, post office or the multitude of businesses, including this newspaper.
I could not grasp the necessity, having had a wreck or become ill, detouring by the rail station for medical supplies before entering the hospital. Or having railroads deliver the newspaper to all the reading public, or slipping past the rail station to buy my weekly groceries, all because there were no "big rigs" to transport these necessities.
I am not accusing all "pleasure" cars of driving violations; neither am I defending the attitude of all "big rig" truckers. I simply say, please think before you ridicule others.
It seems Petie Brigham wants to see stricter government regulations imposed on the "big rigs." I agree there should be more law-enforcement crackdowns on dangerous traffic violations, not only for truckers but "pleasure" cars as well.
This country is extremely lucky to have the efficiency and skill of our "big rigs" and railroads. They ship products to hospitals and retailers against all physical odds. All this so we, the consumer, will not lack for luxuries such as health, food, clothing or a roof over our heads. If we regulate our trucking industry out of business, we might find ourselves and our families regulated onto the streets.
I offer this list for Ms. Brigham and other perfect drivers. I wonder if they can say they have never:

Been inconsiderate or failed to yield to fellow "little people" or "big rigs" entering or exiting ramps or side streets.

Been in a foul temper while behind the wheel because of being late for an appointment or to punch that time clock.

Exceeded the posted speed limit in all their driving years.

Run a red light.

Failed to signal a turn.

Pulled out in front of a vehicle, thinking there was time.

Passed someone and immediately pulled back in front, only to slam on brakes to avoid missing the exit.

Tailgated.

Failed to dim bright lights for approaching traffic.
The list could go on. If you have never been guilty of one of these violations, we, the imperfect driving America, ask you to teach us your vast driving knowledge. Before jumping to any more prejudiced "big rig" driving inconsistencies, construct an honest picture of your own driving. It may turn out to be your self-portrait.

Constance Hamilton is a service specialist for Shenandoah Life Insurance Co. in Roanoke.

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB