THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, July 10, 1995 TAG: 9507090008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 33 lines
I drive within the speed limit on the roads of Norfolk and Virginia Beach. For entertainment I observe the cars that rocket up behind me and swerve across lanes to be in front of me to ensure beating me to a stoplight. The red glow from their tail lights have become my free street laser-light show.
Generally these accelerator-intense and brake-quick drivers wait at the light with me - ironically, slightly longer, of course. During the waits, I ask myself:
1. Don't all drivers see the yellow or red light before they reach it? Sometimes I can actually see lights blocks ahead. Certainly I am not the only one.
2. To speed and achieve superior forward position, more gasoline is wasted and this leads to greater brake material being expended; both significantly add to tire-tread disappearance. Once a companion in my car pointed out as three cars zipped past us: ``It's the only way some people know to prove they are important.''
To paraphrase Disraeli: Who are these inconsiderate individuals? Who are these remarkably self-important people who endanger our physical safety and are helping put an end to our environment and our personal welfare?
GEORGE A. RENN III
Norfolk, June 22, 1995 by CNB