Did You Know...

02-21-08 I hope everyone was able to get out and enjoy the wonderful weather and take in some of that tremendous sunshine. For those of you didn't remember (me included) the sun is the bright glowing ball in the sky that produces wonderful warmth. What a great pick-me-up given all of the weather issues we have been having in the Nehalem Valley. With the improved weather also comes increased traffic on the highways. On Sunday my wife and daughter were driving to Portland for a movie casting call and met hundreds of motorcyclists coming up Hwy 47 taking advantage of the weather. Unfortunately, with the nicer weather also comes aggressive drivers. It seems as though some drivers get infected with "Spring Fever" and feel the need to drive extremely fast, out of control, and overly aggressively. All too often these drivers cause themselves and others to be in accidents. In a recent Traffic Safety Connection newsletter from ACTS Oregon they describe "Aggressive Drivers" as: having high frustration levels but low concern for other motorists, consider their vehicles as objects and fail to consider the human element involved or the consequences of their actions, and the are characterized by running stop signs, speeding, tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on the right, flashing their lights or blowing their horn excessively, and making numerous hand or facial gestures. Please be considerate and patient on our roadways. Remember other driver's may not be as comfortable as you on a particular roadway so give them some space. If you aren't as comfortable on a roadway look for a safe location to turn-out and allow swifter traffic to pass. Remember that good weather is to be enjoyed and should not be a catalyst for aggressive driving and accidents.