The Enid News and Eagle, Enid, OK

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April 28, 2007

Everyone must obey same rules

By Paul Carpenter, commentary

For most drivers, the roadway is a place reserved for automobiles, trucks and motorcycles.

The reality is, our roadway may be populated at any given time with pedestrians, bicycles, trains, farm equipment and even horse-drawn vehicles.

The role of a defensive driver, who is operating a potentially dangerous machine, is to extend courtesy and caution to the more vulnerable roadway participants.

Drivers must be alert to crosswalks where pedestrian traffic is heavy and yield to these pedestrians so they may cross the street safely. Drivers always must stop for blind pedestrians who may be using a white or chrome cane and/or guide dogs to navigate roads and intersections.

Particular attention needs to be paid in school zones and crossings as small children going to and from school and play may not always recognize traffic hazards. Always yield to pedestrians using sidewalks when entering or leaving a drive or alleyway. Resist honking or gunning your engine at pedestrians causing them to rush or panic to get out of the way. This behavior can have serious consequences.

Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities on the roadway as do operators of other vehicles. The rules don’t change just because the other vehicle is a motorcycle or bicycle. All driving maneuvers must be applied legally and correctly regardless of the speed or position of the cyclist. Two-wheeled vehicles have a short narrow profile and therefore are harder to see. Most drivers are looking for other cars and trucks and often miss smaller vehicles turning corners or coming out of driveways.

In a rush to get to our destinations we may forget we are not the only ones using the roadway and fail to meet our obligation of treating others the way we want to be treated ourselves. Vehicle operation is a full-time responsibility and cannot be compromised by distraction or arrogance.

Be safe, and until next time, happy motoring.



Carpenter, a retired Department of Public Safety officer, now operates a local defensive driving school. For questions and comments, contact Carpenter at zcarp@suddenlink.net, P.O. Box 10463 Enid, OK 73706 or 541-5729

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