Consider this recent community network post:

“Has anyone else experienced this person, driving an old, beat up dark blue sedan with PA plates? Car is filthy, so can’t identify the model. Believe the plate starts LVG, but couldn’t tell for sure as he was driving around 60 mph down River Road, just below McCubbins. My husband was out with dogs and literally had to jump out of his way as he made no attempt to stop, slow down or give way. Also had a carful of kids with him. Frightening!

“This is not the first time we’ve experienced this driver’s ill regard for the dangers of this road and his total lack of consideration for those walking or other drivers. He came over the hill near us in the middle and I had to go into the grass to avoid a collision. I also had to jump out of his way while out with my dogs on another occasion. 

“This has to stop. This road is not meant for driving at high speed due to all the blind hills and turns and the many deer and wildlife.

“Not sure what to do, I did report him in the past, but since there’s no local police, not sure what reporting him will do. If anyone has any suggestions, it would be appreciated. If anyone knows this person, please tell him that he’s going to kill someone with his reckless and careless driving and I’m pretty sure that’s not something he wants to live with for the rest of his life.”

What strikes me about this post is the writer’s acknowledgment of the humanity of the inconsiderate and dangerous driver. And the truth of the last line, which I totally relate to. 

Sometimes, when I have had a particularly hard day, one in which I had not been able to effect any change in a miserable situation, I remind myself that it could be worse. “At least I didn’t inadvertently kill anyone with my car,” I say to myself. “I do not know how anyone lives with that!”

No one wants to live with causing irreparable harm. And no one wants their own quality of life diminished because of poor choices that speeding drivers are making. 

Since August, when we reached out to readers about speeding in their neighborhoods, I made a pact with myself to never drive more than five miles more than the speed limit. It’s been a good reminder to slow down. And it has made me much more aware in general when I am driving.

I invite you to try it. And if you’d like to participate in a community discussion on steps that we can take to help calm the traffic in our area, email me at publisher@riverreporter.com.