‘Slow down and pay attention’

By Rich Holub
Reader Contributor

My friend Bob was killed on Highway 95 yesterday [April 14]. Crushed, torn apart, burned. His passenger, a young man, was life-flighted to Spokane in critical condition. Others went to the hospital. And a mom was rushing to Spokane to see if her son would survive. 

They were rear-ended — pushed into oncoming traffic, his pickup literally torn into pieces. 

Rear-ended. On a two-lane highway. I don’t know (I don’t, I’m trying to have compassion), but I’d place bets on his killer going too fast and/or paying attention to a screen instead of piloting tons of potentially deadly missile. 

I hate it. I see it all the time and read about it in the ever increasing sheriff’s “accident” reports. This is not the mark of human intelligence.

And I’m angry. Did you move here to get away from “the rat race?” To have a better life? Then why the hell do you still drive like you’re back there? Where it seems the rule is the more people the faster you’re supposed to go and the more closely you’re supposed to follow, leaving no room for error. Intelligence? 

When I see you slowing down and starting to weave, I know there’s a screen involved. We have one now and it’s the stupidest idea ever to put in a car. To help us. Requiring “safety” features to protect us when we’re using it. I hate it. Intelligence?

And why do you still feel the need to play the lane change/cut back in game? For what? To gain 30 seconds? It’s little Sandpoint, for God’s sake! Or zoom past in the right lane in Kootenai so you can pass everybody only to turn off in Ponder Point, or get to town and stop at the same red light as everybody you passed? Intelligence?

Can you change and actually strive for that better life? Can you realize we’re your neighbors on the road, not obstacles to be overcome? Can you cooperate, leave room, let others merge, quit tailgating, have patience with each other? Wouldn’t driving be more relaxing and friendly instead of stressful?

Maybe if we watch out for each other, our friends and family won’t die for no reason except our egos, distraction and irresponsibility. 

I’m still angry. For fuck’s sake, slow down and pay attention to what you’re doing.

Rich Holub lives in Hope.