Christmas is a religious festival to many - most major religions have some sort of celebration around this time of year.
It's a cultural thing to others - even non-religionistas often celebrate the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, when the days start getting longer again, bringing the hope of a new beginning.
Most cultures also include the giving of gifts at this time of year.
Now, what has all/any of this got to do with driving?
Only that I suggest we try to give each other some gifts on our roads for the coming year.
Like, how about this "peace on earth, goodwill towards men (and women)" thing. Any chance we can stick to that?
As in, let's stop butting in when lanes end.
As in, let's stop tailgating.
As in, wave someone in from a side street or parking lot. And give a jaunty wave in response when someone performs a random act of courtesy for you.
As in, let's drive right except to pass.
As in, get into the habit of ALWAYS turning your headlights on, ALL the time, day or night, and stop relying on your Daytime Running Lights because it's all too easy to forget to switch on at dusk, leaving most cars without any illumination to the rear.
As in, brushing off ALL the snow on your car, (a) so you can see where you're going and have a lesser chance of running into someone, and, (b) so you won't create a visibility issue when the avalanche of snow cascades off your roof and crashes into the windshield of the car behind you.
I could probably think of a million more, but why don't you add your suggestions?
Happy Holidays!
You're preachin' to the choir Jim. Most people reading this column will already do these things because they are interested in cars and driving and care about what they do. The ones you're aiming at don't even know that Wheels.ca even exists. But, if you don't even try to change the world......
Posted by: Mike T. | December 28, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Please use your influence with politicians to pass a law making drivers TURN ON THEIR LIGHTS in fog, snow, rain or on dark days. New York has a law that says lights on with wipers. People do not realize how difficult it is to see their rear end in any of the above situations. I know you can do it!
Posted by: doug calver | December 28, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Jim,
I have long been an ardent supporter of cleaning all snow from a car before it is driven, including all glass, lights, roof and sides. Cleaning snow from the glass means the driver can see what others are doing, cleaning the lights means others can see what you are doing or will do, cleaning the roof means snow does not obscure your rear window or the windshield of someone behind you, and cleaning the sides of your car means that you are more visible while crossing an intersection (esp if your car is red like my Escort wagon, and of course it also means everyone can see my Targa Newfoundland decals!).
My entreaties often fall on deaf ears, and I have sometimes seen even the local RCMP with poorly cleared vehicles (in one case, a couple of years ago, the cruiser had only the snow removed from the windshield!) I wrote a letter to my local paper a few years ago about this issue, and got some flack for having done so!
Posted by: Brian Williams | December 28, 2008 at 03:19 PM