A little patience, please, on the road?

As I've become older, I try to give myself more space between my car and the vehicle ahead since my reaction time has slowed. But that space often gets filled by a driver hellbent on getting one more car length ahead. Now, not only has a safe space been taken from me, but the driver ahead also has placed himself in jeopardy by closing my safe gap.

A high percentage of drivers do not use turn signals. A law requires proper and appropriate use of signals of intent to turn or stop. Before the age of turn signals and brake lights, a driver was required to place the left arm out the window to signal left or right turns and when preparing to stop. Not very comfortable in the dead of winter or during a heavy rainstorm. Today, no vehicle is allowed on the road without working turn signals and brake lights. These were placed in your vehicle at your expense. The law requires their use.

Our fast-paced society places additional pressure on us to communicate faster and get there sooner. Place us behind the wheel of a car and the fast pace often gets in the way of good driving judgment. I propose a rear bumper sticker that reads, "Patience is no accident." This message should also be posted on the dash of each car in plain view of the driver. Another sticker might read, "Older driver on board, usually drives the speed limit."

Norm Duncan

Des Plaines