Would you, should you?
We have all faced this from time to time; temptation. We get tempted to do things we wouldn’t normally do when we get together with friends or if we’re under pressure. When was the last time you felt this way? Do you ever feel any remorse after you’ve succumbed to these temptations?
I’ll often see drivers cut through gas stations on the corner instead of waiting to turn right behind the lead driver when they’re stopped at a traffic light. Would you do that? Should you do that? These drivers can’t seem to wait another 30 seconds until traffic starts moving again and decide to race through the gas station just to save those 30 seconds, or so they think. I recently saw someone do that but I was able to reach them once again just a few minutes later when they were sitting at a red light. So much for saving time.
I’ve seen drivers make that quick little drive to the store without putting their seatbelt on. They’ll tell me they aren’t going far, so they don’t need it. Would you do that? Should you do that? I didn’t know there was a minimum travel distance required before the seatbelt had to be used. You don’t need to travel far at all to have a child suddenly run out onto the road causing you to quickly slam on your brakes or swerve. Swerving without your seatbelt on could very easily cause you to hit your head on the glass of your door. A seatbelt keeps you restrained in your seat so you can keep your vehicle under control.
According to the AAA and CAA, running out of fuel is a common call they receive. They’ll come to the aid of stranded drivers with enough gas to get them to the next gas station. The funny thing is the driver most likely would have driven past many gas stations before their vehicle would conk out and come to a stop. Would you do that? Should you do that? Since most vehicles have a warning light that lets them know when they’re down to their remaining drops of fuel, why not stop and get the fuel you need before it’s too late? Better yet, why not add that to your planning by having enough fuel in your gas tank so the warning light never comes on. Wouldn’t that make more sense?
I will take out licensed drivers every now and then that were told to take our Driver Improvement Program at Young Drivers of Canada because of too many demerit points they’ve accumulated. Sometimes I find they’re driving with an expired license. Would you do this? Should you do this? I’ve also heard from some of these people they don’t have insurance on their vehicle. They say they can’t afford it. Think about the penalties of driving without a valid license or insurance; license suspension, fines, you’ll also have to pay out of pocket for any damages (including loss of income) to the other people involved, plus many other penalties.
Think about the consequences of your actions before you make the decision to do something you very well know is wrong. In most cases you’ll make it worse for yourself.