Sometimes our hearts and emotions smother common sense. I refer to letters and news articles about speed limits, personal protective devices and cellphone use.
One of our legislators has missed high school physics and perhaps elemental statistics, giving way to a desire to increase speed limits. A few minutes saved in travel are overshadowed by a real risk of crumpled bodies, both mechanical and human.
Seat belts were developed to keep us inside our vehicles. (let the vehicle take the damage.) Air bags came later and complemented seat belt restraints. About one third of drivers (and passengers) remain non-believers and elect to risk injury or death. Some of their stories are written each day in our local press.
Motorcyclists enjoy fresh air and freedom from restraints in exchange for a risk of serious injury or death if they elect to ride without head protection or leathers. Unfortunately they even ride without the partial safety of a car body for protection.
Now comes the cellphone, providing a new element to challenge our common sense. Cellphones dominate our lives and even have the gall to take a few precious moments away from our attention to our surroundings. (Confession: old fingers do not permit me to text messages and my wife reminds me not to even check for email.) A few months ago I witnessed a TV financial advisor allege he could use his cellphone and drive with no added risk to his driving on the freeway! (Is that called a financial risk?)
None of us is immune to the world's hazards. I wonder why professional drivers such as motorcycle riders, drag racers, and NASCAR drivers elect to buckle up and wear protection. Hearts and emotions, maybe? Or, just plain old common sense.
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