I've been stewing over this column for the past month.I wasn't sure whether I should put pen to paper, or in this case keystrokes on my keyboard, but after a few more incidents on the highway this week, I can stay silent no more.This isn't meant to be a wild rant, although it might come off that way when some of you read this. This is more a reminder to people about their driving habits here on the Coast.The past month or so has seen far too many accidents on Hwy. 101. Some have been caused by speed, some by drivers not paying attention. Tuesday morning we had another accident where four people were sent to hospital. Police are still investigating, so we can't say with certainty that speed and lack of attention were factors, but it's still another accident on our highway.I've spoken about this before. In fact, a few weeks back I wrote an editorial about speed and seat belts, how we all need to slow down and pay more attention when driving.I guess the message isn't hitting home.Last week I was pulling into the Sunnycrest Mall. I was looking for a parking space and found one close to London Drugs. I put my signal light on and was waiting for another driver to pull out of her parking spot, when another driver almost side-swiped me trying to get by. She was talking on her cell phone and not paying attention. I looked at her, thinking she would give me a polite wave and apologize for nearly causing an accident, but no. She slammed on the brakes, backed up a bit and made her way around me, without even blinking.I just shook my head, waited for my parking spot and pulled in. When I got out of my car, a nice lady who was walking by and saw the incident came up to me and registered her complaint as well. She too couldn't believe the rudeness and lack of common courtesy.In previous columns and editorials, I've talked about high speeds, no courtesy on our roads and tailgating.These things are common-place everywhere, but it still doesn't make it right. We're all in a hurry. We all lead busy lives and we have lots to do. But we need to slow down and start being more courteous to each other on our roads.If you feel the need for speed, why not head to the Sechelt Airport on Sunday and put your car to the test at the Mayhem in May drag races?Summer is right around the corner. If you think we have lots of traffic now, wait until tourist season is in full swing. This summer should be about beaches and barbecues, family and friends and enjoying the beautiful Sunshine Coast - not about speeding drivers and accidents on our highways.
