ROAD COURTESY

Introducing a new concept to a great many drivers and riders: courtesy on the road means simply having regard for one’s fellow motorists by extending little acts of consideration and kindness that assist them. For many this will be a radical line of thinking. They get in their cars and trucks, or on their bikes and the hell with everyone else. They want a clear road and let no one else impede their progress in any way.

This country is but one in which the driver who drives at the legal speed limit is considered a pest. How can this be? If there were not guidelines as to maximum speeds the death toll would be off the chart. Most limiting speeds are reasonable taking into consideration normal road conditions. Wet roads dictate that speeds be lessened in the interest of safety.

So, what on earth are those lunatics thinking when we see them ignoring all the rules of good common sense and even self-preservation. Do they have some kind of death wish. When I’m overtaken by someone in a very dangerous situation I simply wish them a nice death. Good riddance to them if they do lose the argument with a wall or a tree. The problem is that all too often they take out perfectly innocent people as well. I can only hope there is justice in the after life.

Road courtesy in action are those things that are appreciated by other drivers that make their journey a little safer. If the other driver does not have the right of way, but by giving way to him or her so that they are better able to execute their manoeuvre, that will be greatly appreciated. An example is that of the driver who needs to back into the roadway. Although you have the right of way, by taking just a second to allow him to complete the procedure without endangering other traffic you will have helped him on his way. You didn’t have to do it, but your help will be appreciated, and one day you will become the beneficiary if this radical idea catches hold.

Normally, not much is required in order to carry out a random act of kindness and courtesy. England used to be famous for courtesy on the roads, and there are some old school drivers still around. These are people whose actions are sometimes not immediately understood. They stop to let you pass when it would have been just as fine for you to have waited. They will hold up several cars while you take your time to square up in the supermarket car park. They will take special care around pedestrians and children, and even animals. These are the things that elevate a person from being a good driver to a good motorist.

Unfortunately, their actions are not always appreciated, even sometimes by the people they are attempting to assist. However, I really do think that if a person is subject often enough to courtesies shown to him he will come to realize that this is a better way to do life, and in spite of himself it is human nature to pay it forward. When someone does us a favour we can best repay it by doing a favour for someone else who needs it. After all, the person who did you the favour was giving you the gift of kindness and doesn’t really want it back.

There is one other thing that I would add, and it is this: When someone does extend to you a courtesy on the road, please be sure to encourage them by a simple gesture that says “Thank You!” That costs nothing but its value is incalculable.


Copyright © 2008 Eugene Carmichael