Manic Monday | What do they think they know that nobody else does?
Frequently when I am driving in the winter (and for the record I am not considered a slow driver), I have marveled at the number of vehicles careening by me at high speeds. They drive seemingly with little regard for weather conditions, compelled to continue to go well over the speed limit during snow storms, white outs, icy roads and times of poor or limited visibility. Often I have been heard to say "what do they think they know that no one else does?"
Over the past several days numerous discussions have been taking place around our region regarding the state of our highways in the winter months. With just a few weeks of snow under our belts we have already experienced road closures, traffic tie ups and accidents both minor and deadly. Overwhelming there is an expressed opinion that our winter road challenges are not the fault of poor road maintenance but rather ongoing irresponsible driving behaviours. Drivers who believe they know more than others, believe their time is more valuable than others, and worse, believe their lives are more important. The resulting selfishness closes roads, causes long traffic delays, prevents travellers from taking a chance on winter trips and in the worst situations results in fatalities, both their own and others.
Transport trucks are certainly cited as major culprits with a continued neglect by many to chain up when the law clearly specifies they must do so. The result of this selfishness ranges from causing minor inconveniences to devastating outcomes. They are, however, not the only ones who believe that no adjustment is required when driving in winter. How many SUV's, 4 x 4's and those that would take on mountain passes without proper tires are seen driving at high speeds, passing when it is clearly not safe to do so, sliding across lanes or into other vehicles and then later seen scattered in culverts and ditches.
Winter in our region is a reality, and there will be times when the ferocity of a storm requires drastic measures to ensure the safety of the travelling public, however it is incumbent upon every person that chooses to get behind the wheel of a vehicle to do so with the best of intentions and with the consideration of all that are on those same highways.
For our tourism industry road closures mean business closures. Organizations including the Tourism Industry Association of BC (TIABC), Destination BC (DBC), TOTA and community DMO's work closely with various Government Ministries continuously pushing to ensure there is funding for roads to be well maintained and remain open during these harsh seasons; we all work with media outlets to encourage them to provide accurate and measured reporting but we must find a way to hold all drivers accountable. The laws are clearly in place and must be enforced. We must all apply pressure to see that those that are not adhering are met with severe consequences.
What do they think they know that nobody else does?
Glenn Mandziuk, TOTA President & CEO
