What Has Happened to Courtesy on the Roads?

It took me longer than I had expected but I’ve finally had it. I have had enough of the Southern California freeway drivers. It seems that you risk being plowed over even at 70 m.p.h.!

It wasn’t the speed that did it, I tend to drive fast myself, it was the discourtesy displayed by many drivers. California motorists, as a whole, once enjoyed the reputation of being among the nation’s most safe drivers. Yes, we drove somewhat faster than other parts of the nation, but we were willing to give the right of way. More important, we drove defensively. That doesn’t seem to the be case anymore.

This week is just half over and I’ve nearly been involved in two accidents because a driver sped up and refused to allow me to merge onto the freeway safely. Both times I had to slam on my brakes to avoid either hitting the offending car or running over the shoulder and into the accompanying ditch.

The other week I had the pleasure of playing train with a tailgater. He followed me so close I could almost smell the cigarettes on his breath.

Perhaps what we all need is a refresher course in driver safety and courtesy. I would suggest a plan that would require all licensed drivers within our state to participate in a driver’s training course specifically designed for this purpose. Just like any other skill, which driving is, refresher courses such as this are necessary as a fine-tuning process.

With the implementation of such a program, maybe our freeways would once more be a safe place for all drivers, not just those with a death wish.

DAVID J. MECOZZI

Canoga Park