To the editor:
The world is a hurried place. But, on occasion it is critical that one ask, “What’s the hurry?” On Dec., 22, 2006, an avoidable “accident” could easily have taken the life of a beautiful, young woman in Masardis. Amanda Stevens’ car was run into by a reportedly overweight 18-wheeler as its driver tried to pass her as she was making a left hand turn. They were in a 25 mph speed zone.
What could this truck driver have been thinking? Yes, it was the Friday night of a holiday weekend, it was getting late in the work day, and Masardis is just a small town located between two hills. Do any of these thoughts give justification to this driver’s decision to drive recklessly? Of course, they don’t. However, the people of this small town have been complaining for years about the way trucks travel through town. One Masardis resident remarked at the scene of Amanda’s crash that he can’t let his children play in the front yard because he is afraid of the trucks that travel so fast by their home.
The operator of any vehicle, small car or big rig, must make countless decisions as they drive. Each decision made has a consequence. Perhaps simply asking oneself this question before starting the engine could eliminate grief for many. What’s the hurry?
Sharon Craig
Masardis
