To the editor:
With all the ads running on television, drivers realize that distracted driving (cell phone use and texting) results in vehicle accidents and deaths.
But, as pointed out by Paul Hergott in his May 1, 2015, Achieving Justice column, the larger problem is ‘inattentive driving’.
Distracted driving is really only a subset of inattentive driving. Drivers need to realize that to stop texting and cell phone use are not the only things they must focus on. Inattentive driving behaviours are what drivers along with ICBC/government ads need to focus on.
One example of inattentive driving is how many times have you waited for the first vehicle in a left turn advance lane to get started or even had to honk to get the driver back to present time when the traffic light turns green. Many are not focused at all on the turn sign and traffic in the intersection which results in very few vehicles getting through on the traffic light. Frustration mounts with the fourth or fifth car that then runs the intersection against the traffic light creating potential problems (accidents or road rage).
Should we find it concerning the driver’s full attention is not scanning for the light to change and at the same time ensuring the intersection will be safe so they can precede once the light changes? Yet, many of us have our attention elsewhere while driving or as Paul states, being absentminded.
Many of us fail to recognize the consequences to the other parties involved in an accident we may have caused due to inattentive driving. His column also points out that the path to recover for some can be long and very bumpy.
Drivers must realize they alone must be held accountable for responsible behaviours and actions and to rank as good drivers we really need to be more attentive while driving.
T. Kinsman, West Kelowna
